Ambedkar Open University hikes fees for UG and PG courses

Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Gujarat’s only government-run open and distance learning institution, has announced a sharp increase in fees for several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, triggering strong political criticism and concerns over access to higher education.

Under the revised structure, the university has standardised fees for male and female students, ending the earlier concession under which women paid lower charges. The new annual fee for most UG and PG courses has been fixed at ₹5,000, compared with earlier rates ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹3,000.

Course fees have also risen significantly, with the total fee for the Bachelor of Education (Open and Distance Learning) programme increased from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000, while the Bachelor of Special Education course has been raised from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000.

The revised fee structure has been approved by the university’s Fee Regulation Committee and applies to thousands of students enrolled in UG, PG and doctoral programmes. BAOU operates around 500 study centres across the state and offers more than 73 courses.

The state Congress has strongly opposed the move, alleging that the fee hike will adversely affect over one lakh students. Party leaders have claimed that fees for male students have risen by around 178%, while those for female students have increased by as much as 317%. 

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi accused the current BJP-led government of introducing fee increases that could deprive women of educational opportunities.

According to the Congress, the annual fee for male students in BA courses has risen from ₹1,800 to ₹5,000, while for female students it has increased from ₹1,200 to the same amount. The party also criticised the university for spending large sums on infrastructure, amenities and beautification while significantly raising fees for students from middle- and lower-income families.

Responding to the criticism, university authorities said that fees had not been revised for the past 16 years and that the increase was necessary to meet rising operational costs. Officials pointed out that as a self-financed institution, BAOU bears expenses related to course development, printing of study materials, delivery, transportation and student counselling. They added that fees for several courses have been left unchanged.

Concerns have also been raised that the higher fees could discourage working professionals and students from economically weaker backgrounds, who form a large proportion of BAOU’s enrolment, from pursuing higher education through distance learning. 

Critics have urged the state government to increase grants and relax enrolment quotas, arguing that greater financial support could help keep fees affordable, particularly for women and disadvantaged students.