MBBS Fees in Assam Hiked Sixfold; Structure Linked to Family Income

The Assam government has significantly revised the government fees for medical courses, linking them to the family's annual income. Under the new system, students from higher-income families will have to pay higher fees.

Pursuing MBBS and BDS courses in Assam's government medical colleges has become more expensive than before. The state government has overhauled the fee structure by linking it to the family's annual income. Under this new arrangement, students from higher-income families will pay higher fees, whereas the fees have been kept significantly lower for students from BPL (Below Poverty Line) and low-income families. The maximum annual government fee for MBBS has been set at ₹1 lakh, and for BDS, it is ₹75,000.

Under the new fee structure, students whose families have an annual income exceeding ₹9 lakh will have to pay an annual government fee of ₹1 lakh for the MBBS course. Conversely, for students from BPL and low-income families, this fee is set at ₹5,000 per year. Students from families with an annual income between ₹4 lakh and ₹9 lakh will have to pay ₹50,000 annually for MBBS. This marks the first time that family income has been used as the basis for determining fees in government medical colleges.

Maximum Fee of ₹75,000 for BDS

BDS fees have also been differentiated based on income. Students from families with an annual income of ₹9 lakh or more will have to pay ₹75,000 annually. For BPL and low-income students, the fee will be ₹3,750 per year. Meanwhile, students from the middle-income group will pay an annual fee of ₹37,500 after a 50 percent concession. According to officials, the new system aims to recover a larger share of the cost of medical education from financially capable families while providing relief to students from weaker sections.

Fees Had Remained Unchanged Since 2022

Government fees for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in Assam's government medical colleges had remained unchanged since 2022. Until now, a uniform fee structure applied to all students, with no differentiation based on family income. In addition to government fees, students are also charged non-government fees. MBBS students residing in hostels were required to pay ₹21,500 at the time of admission, while day scholars (non-hostellers) paid ₹15,500. These amounts included charges such as hostel fees, security deposits, union fees, and contributions to the student welfare fund. For BDS students, the amount was ₹13,000 for hostellers and ₹11,000 for non-hostellers. Students were also charged a one-time government admission fee of ₹2,400. From the second year onwards, the annual non-government fee was ₹8,000 for MBBS and ₹4,000 for BDS.

New Fees to Apply from the Current Session

Two rounds of admissions for medical colleges in Assam have already been completed, while the third and final round is yet to take place. According to an official from a government medical college, the new government fees will apply to students admitted during the current academic session. Students admitted in the first two rounds have already paid the non-government fee of ₹21,500. Sources within the Medical Education Department have cited rising maintenance and operational costs for medical colleges as the reason for the fee hike. However, the government has not provided a specific or explicit reason for the revised fee structure.

Waiver of Up to 50% of Fees in Cases of Financial Hardship

The new notification also empowers the principals of government medical and dental colleges to grant relief to students under special circumstances. If a student is at risk of dropping out due to a serious issue, the Principal may grant a concession of up to 50 percent on the applicable government fees.