The Maharashtra state government has approved a substantial fivefold increase in fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani, under the ‘institutional quota,’ which includes NRI seats. This hike, effective from the academic year 2023-2024, was communicated through an official letter from the department of medical education and drugs, marking a significant shift in the cost structure for traditional medicine education in the state.
The decision follows a formal request by the Association of Management of Ayurvedic Medical Colleges of Maharashtra, urging the government to respond to increasing operational costs and infrastructural demands. According to the Fee Regulation Authority, this move seeks to balance the financial pressures faced by private institutions while accommodating students who can afford the higher costs, particularly under the management and NRI quotas. Private Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine colleges have long argued for this fee hike, citing the growing costs of maintaining their facilities, paying staff, and improving infrastructure to meet modern educational standards.
An official from the medical education department defended the increase, stating, “NRI and management quotas typically attract financially well-off candidates who can afford these fees.” However, the decision has not been met without resistance. Many students, particularly those from middle-income backgrounds, and education experts are concerned that the exorbitant fees—ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year—will create a financial barrier for deserving students, limiting their access to these courses. With the fee hike affecting institutional and NRI seats, there is widespread apprehension that these hikes could further stratify the student body, giving an unfair advantage to wealthier applicants.
This move comes on the heels of reports earlier this year highlighting that some Ayurvedic colleges in the state had already begun charging five times the regular fees for their management seats. Parents and students expressed outrage, arguing that the increased costs are unreasonable for medical education, especially in traditional medicine, where demand and income prospects might be lower than allopathic courses. The private sector’s steep fees contrast sharply with public institutions, which remain relatively affordable. While the decision aims to address the financial sustainability of these educational institutions, the long-term impact on access to education remains a critical concern for Maharashtra’s aspiring medical professionals.
