Private college in Chennai hikes fees, stops defaulting students from attending classes
A professor denies allegation that the students were asked to pay the increased fee upfront at a short notice; students register a complaint with University of Madras and the Chief Minister’s Cell
Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Kodungaiyur has raised tuition fees for the current academic year, leading some students to be barred from attending classes since August 3. The college increased fees by ₹1,500 for second-year students and ₹2,000 for third-year students, making the total semester fees ₹16,500 and ₹17,000, respectively.
Students claim they were informed about the fee hike only a week before the college reopened on June 15, and were required to pay the entire semester's fees upfront. This sudden demand for payment has caused distress among many students, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds. The college management has threatened to expel students who have protested, leading some to register complaints with the University of Madras, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Minister's Cell.
A senior faculty member stated that the notice of the fee increase was given in April 2026 via WhatsApp, with three months' notice. The University of Madras Registrar has stated that the well-being of the students is of utmost importance.
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