St Stephen’s College, one of Delhi University’s most reputed institutions, has come under scrutiny after reports surfaced that it directed first-year students to pay university and college fees separately. According to The Times of India, the college’s fee notice required students to submit a “DU fee” ranging from ₹11,551 to ₹11,630 for most undergraduate courses, even though the official university fee stands at just ₹3,500 per year. This has effectively led to an overcharge of around ₹8,000 per student — amounting to nearly ₹32 lakh in excess collection from approximately 400 first-year students. The decision to bypass Delhi University’s single-portal payment system has raised concerns about transparency and adherence to university norms.

I wanted to write about this issue because it highlights the growing tension between autonomous colleges and central universities over financial and administrative control. St Stephen’s has often been in the news for exercising autonomy in its admission process, and this latest controversy once again brings the college’s independent practices under public debate. For students and parents, clarity on fee structures and payment systems is crucial, especially at a time when higher education costs are rising across India. Understanding why such disputes occur helps shed light on larger questions — about regulation, institutional accountability, and the balance between autonomy and fairness in India’s public education system.

What Happened at St Stephen’s College

As per media reports, St Stephen’s issued a fee notice asking students to make two separate payments — one for the college and another for the university. This directive goes against Delhi University’s recent instruction that all affiliated colleges must collect fees through a unified payment portal to ensure uniformity and prevent overcharging.

The controversy deepened when the details of the “DU fee” component came to light. Instead of the official ₹3,500 annual charge mandated by Delhi University, St Stephen’s listed an amount exceeding ₹11,500. The difference — over ₹8,000 per student — has raised serious questions about the purpose of the additional sum and whether it was collected without authorisation.

If reports are accurate, this would mean that St Stephen’s collected nearly ₹32 lakh more than the university-approved amount from its first-year batch alone.

Delhi University’s Stand on the Issue

Sources within Delhi University have reportedly expressed concern over the matter. The university has a single-portal payment mechanism in place to maintain transparency and standardisation across its affiliated colleges. By asking students to pay separately, St Stephen’s appears to have disregarded this system.

University officials are said to be examining the issue and may seek clarification from the college administration. While DU has not yet issued an official statement, previous instances suggest that such actions could lead to administrative review or directives to refund the excess amount.

The university’s focus, according to insiders, is to ensure that students are not burdened with extra or unauthorised charges.

St Stephen’s and Its History of Autonomy

St Stephen’s College, though affiliated with Delhi University, enjoys a degree of autonomy in its functioning. It is governed by its own trust and has a unique admission process that includes interviews — a practice that has often sparked debate within the university system.

The current fee controversy adds to ongoing discussions about the limits of institutional independence. While autonomy allows colleges like St Stephen’s to uphold high academic standards and administrative flexibility, it must still align with university policies in key areas like fee regulation and examination procedures.

Education experts believe that greater coordination between autonomous colleges and the university administration is essential to prevent confusion and protect students’ interests.

Why the Overcharging Issue Matters

At first glance, the difference of ₹8,000 per student may seem small, but for many families, especially those relying on scholarships or financial aid, such discrepancies can cause financial strain.

The larger concern, however, is about transparency and trust. When reputed institutions like St Stephen’s, known for their credibility and legacy, face allegations of overcharging or procedural violations, it shakes public confidence in the fairness of higher education systems.

Such incidents also highlight the need for better oversight mechanisms within universities. Fee structures, once approved, should be clearly communicated and uniformly implemented. Any deviation must be justified and authorised by the affiliating body.

Voices from Students and Parents

According to students quoted in reports, the confusion around payment has led to stress among first-year enrollees and their families. Some said they were unsure whether to follow the university’s payment instructions or comply with the college’s directive.

Parents have reportedly raised questions about where the additional amount would be used and whether it would be refunded. For many, the incident underscores the importance of having transparent, university-controlled systems to prevent such disputes in the future.