IIT Guwahati Revises BTech, Engineering Fee After 7 Years; Clarifies Hike Amid Limited Student Protest

In a statement, IIT Guwahati stated that the protest occurred without prior notice and without submitting any further representation, adding that the majority of the 8,400-strong student body is not participating.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has revised its semester fees for BTech and other engineering programmes, marking the first hike in seven years. The revised fee structure increases the payable amount by ₹8,900 per semester for continuing students. According to the institute, the additional funds will be used to enhance student welfare activities, including support for hostel-level events, cultural and sports festivals, and Gymkhana-led initiatives beyond just Inter-IIT participation.

The fee hike impacts undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those admitted through competitive exams like JEE Advanced and JEE Main. IIT Guwahati stated that the revision is aimed at improving the overall student experience and supporting expanding extracurricular and welfare initiatives.

Open-House Held Following Student Queries

After the revised fee was announced in June, a group of PG and PhD students requested an open-house meeting for clarification. The institute held a four-hour open discussion on 17 July 2025, where it explained the increased components and informed students about available financial assistance through the Students’ Welfare Fund, including loans for needy students.

The administration stated that no formal submissions or additional representations were received from students after the meeting, despite an open invitation for the same.

Small Group Protests Without Notice; Elected Student Body Not Involved

On 22 July, a small group of students gathered in front of the administrative building to protest the hike. IIT Guwahati stated that the protest occurred without prior notice and without submitting any further representation, adding that the majority of the 8,400-strong student body is not participating.

The protestors have also bypassed the elected student body, which distanced itself from the agitation and issued a formal statement: “Despite the ongoing dialogue within the elected student body to put up a proposal for consideration of fee revision, this small group of protesting students disobeyed the student representatives, jeopardizing their efforts at reconciliation. The elected student body is not part of this protest and is also working through the proper channel for an amicable solution to the increased components of the fee.”

Administration Emphasizes Dialogue and Support

IIT Guwahati reiterated its commitment to student welfare and constructive engagement, encouraging students to work with the administration through formal and structured channels. It stated that it remains open to dialogue and ready to consider further representations should students raise them.