Hyderabad: The Telangana government is unlikely to approve major fee hikes for engineering and professional colleges in the upcoming 2025–26 academic year, despite some proposals indicating increases of 35% to 65% in a few private institutes.
In March, the Telangana Admissions and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC) held hearings with college managements to finalise the new fee structure for the next three-year block period (2025–2028). All but one or two engineering colleges reportedly signed off on the committee’s proposed fee ceilings.
Still, officials are treading cautiously. While engineering college fees remain lower than those of many private schools, authorities fear backlash if hikes appear abrupt or excessive.
Education Secretary Yogita Rana and Technical Education Commissioner Sridevasena recently met with TAFRC Chairman Justice Gopal Reddy and State Council of Higher Education head Prof. V. Balakista Reddy to assess the proposals. Another round of meetings took place on Tuesday.
According to sources, officials discussed college-wise data showing where fees have gone up by 10%, 20%, 30%, or more, and what that means in real terms for students under tuition cost.
Some law colleges, too, are charging higher rates. Officials reportedly asked the TAFRC to rationalise fees in those cases. The committee is now reviewing colleges with outlier figures to consider possible reductions.
Once the internal review wraps up, TAFRC will hold a final meeting and forward its recommendations to the state government. The Education Secretary is expected to issue a government order (GO) formalising the new fee structure soon after.
With EAPCET 2025 results scheduled for release by May 15 and counselling for convenor quota seats to follow, the government is aiming to finalise and notify the new fee orders before that timeline.
