The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has defended its decision to increase fees by nearly 50% for several courses for the academic year 2026-27. This move comes even as the Maharashtra unit of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has strongly opposed the sharp increase, arguing that it will render higher education unaffordable for many students.
Institute's Justification
The institute stated that the fee hike is a limited and carefully considered measure aimed at partially offsetting rising operational and academic expenses, while maintaining educational quality and student support. GIPE emphasized its commitment to accessible, high-quality education, noting that the revised fee structure reflects only a partial adjustment to meet increasing costs, with the institution continuing to bear a substantial share of the expenses.
Rationalization of Fees
GIPE also mentioned that fees across master's programmes have been rationalized to ensure greater parity among courses and to avoid distortions in student preferences, all while upholding academic standards and support services.
NSUI's Opposition
On Wednesday, NSUI state general secretary Krishna Sathe submitted a letter to GIPE Vice-Chancellor Umakant Dash, demanding that the fee hike be withdrawn immediately and that last year's fee structure be retained.
According to NSUI, fees for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have increased substantially:
- MSc Economics (PSHE): from Rs 97,000 to Rs 2.19 lakh
- MSc Economics (ABE): from Rs 1.82 lakh to Rs 2.19 lakh
- Aided MA Economics (including deposit): from Rs 77,120 to Rs 1.58 lakh
- MSc Economics (Public Policy): from Rs 2.8 lakh to Rs 3 lakh
- MSc Economics (Geopolitics and Geoeconomics), MSc Financial Economics, and MSc International Business Economics and Finance: each from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh
- BSc Economics: from Rs 1.89 lakh to Rs 2.28 lakh
The institute has also introduced BSc Economics (Data Science) under the revised fee structure.
NSUI highlighted that the aided MA Economics programme has witnessed an increase of over 100%, while the MSc Economics (PSHE) programme has seen an increase of over 125%.
The student body stated, "Students and parents are already facing financial difficulties due to rising inflation, unemployment and increasing educational expenses. Such a steep fee hike places an additional burden and limits access to higher education."
Sathe added, "The fee hike is arbitrary and unfair, implemented without considering the financial condition of students. Education should not become a commodity. If the decision is not reversed, Maharashtra NSUI will launch an agitation to protect students' rights."
Institute's Response
GIPE responded through a statement on Wednesday, reiterating that the autonomous institution remains committed to accessible, high-quality education. The revised fee structure reflects only a partial adjustment to meet rising operational and academic costs, with GIPE continuing to bear a substantial share of the expenses.
