A sudden hike in continuation and examination registration fees at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) erupted widespread student protests on Monday, with demonstrators blocking the Bab-e-Syed gate, the iconic main entrance to the campus and staging marches across university grounds.
The protests erupted after reports surfaced of a 36% increase in fees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and other academic programs. Students are demanding an immediate rollback, calling the hike exclusionary and tone-deaf to the socio-economic backgrounds of many in the university community.
“AMU students are protesting against the fee hike, the non-restoration of the AMU Students’ Union, marksheet detentions, and the filing of fake and illegal FIRs, as well as suspensions against those who speak against the administration,” said one student, who requested anonymity for fear of administrative repercussions.
Another student, Shaikh Shabbir, questioned the university’s direction, “Due to the fee hike, poor children from underprivileged areas won’t be able to take admission, the very students for whom AMU was established. If the purpose for which it was created is not being fulfilled, then what is the university even for?”
Protestors argue that the hike disproportionately affects students from economically weaker sections, particularly from regions AMU historically aimed to uplift. “The recent fee hike of up to 36–40% is not a mere administrative decision; it reflects a mentality that is disconnected from the realities on the ground,” said one protestor.
In response, the university administration issued a statement defending the fee revision, calling it a necessary step in line with operational demands and the evolving needs of the student body. “The decision was taken after a comprehensive review of essential services and resources aimed at enhancing student welfare,” the official notice read.
“The revised structure covers key areas such as infrastructure development, health services, hall amenities, Sir Syed Day functions, maintenance of common rooms, and residential charges. It reflects the university’s long-term vision of providing a balanced, enriching academic and residential experience.”
However, Protestors argue that the administration is betraying the vision of AMU’s founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Mohtassim Alam, a student at the university, said: “In the aftermath of 1857, Sir Syed envisioned a university that would serve as a ladder for the poorest among Muslims to climb out of ignorance, poverty, and political disempowerment. AMU was to be the lifeline for those who could not afford to dream big let alone expensive education in far-off cities. It was meant to be affordable, accessible, and dignified. That vision is being steadily eroded.”
