India’s premier technical institutes, the IITs, are meant to be temples of talent, innovation, and meritocracy. Yet, a staggering 177% fee hike for General Category students has turned these hallowed halls into financial pressure cookers.
In 2014, a General Category student paid ₹90,000 per year. By 2025, this skyrocketed to ₹2,50,000 per year—despite no corresponding increase in infrastructure or benefits for paying students. Meanwhile, SC/ST students enjoy tuition waivers and other free benefits.
The result? India’s brightest minds are forced to shoulder massive fees, fund a large part of the system, and yet face limited support—pushing many to seek opportunities abroad.
1. Fees Skyrocket 177% in 11 Years
From ₹90,000/year in 2014 to ₹2,50,000/year in 2025, the hike is astronomical, far outpacing inflation or average family income growth, creating enormous stress on General Category students.
2. Merit Under Pressure
These students not only excel academically but also carry the financial weight of the reservation system indirectly, funding the free benefits enjoyed by SC/ST peers.
3. Limited Financial Support
Despite paying massive fees, General Category achievers receive very little support—loans, scholarships, or tuition relief remain sparse compared to the subsidies available for reserved category students.
4. Brain Drain Accelerates
High fees, coupled with limited domestic opportunities and a lack of support, push India’s brightest talent abroad to countries offering better conditions, scholarships, and infrastructure.
5. Meritocracy Undermined
The current system punishes high-achieving students for being born into the General Category, creating resentment and reducing motivation among the very students who drive India’s future innovation.
6. Funding the System Alone
General Category students are effectively subsidizing the education of others while simultaneously struggling to manage rising fees, hostel costs, and living expenses.
7. Opportunity Cost is National Loss
When top IIT students leave india due to financial burdens, the country loses not only talent but potential contributions in tech, research, and innovation that could have fueled domestic growth.
8. Call for Urgent Reform
Without revisiting the fee structure and providing equitable support for General Category students, india risks a growing divide between talent and opportunity, exacerbating brain drain and social tension.
Bottom Line
The IIT fee hike is more than numbers on paper—it’s a systemic injustice against India’s brightest General Category students. While reservation benefits are important, merit and talent should not be punished, nor should those who fund a large portion of the system be forced to flee abroad.
india must rebalance the scales, or risk losing the very innovators and leaders its future depends on.
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