The university has set an examination fee of Rs 50,000 along with Rs 3,000 in taxes, facing criticism for what many are calling a steep cost.
In remembrance of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, Punjabi University, Patiala, has declared a “golden opportunity” for students who could not finish their degrees due to different circumstances.
Nevertheless, the cost required to take advantage of the opportunity has ignited significant backlash from both students and educators.
As part of the program, the university has set an examination fee of Rs 50,000 along with Rs 3,000 in taxes, facing criticism for what many are calling a steep cost.
The university has been accused by the Association of United College Teachers (AUCT) and student groups of taking advantage of students under the guise of the Guru’s commemoration.
AUCT president Prof Tarun Ghai criticized the decision, stating, “The recent announcement from Punjabi University regarding the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, offering a ‘golden opportunity’ for students to take their supplementary or improvement exams for a fee of Rs 53,000, is merely a profit-driven initiative.”
We firmly reject it and insist that the charge remain minimal for students. That would truly honor Guru Teg Bahadur.
University officials have defended the fee structure, asserting that the “golden chance” program is not a recent initiative and that the same fees have been established for many years.
The final deadline for applications is November 15. Exams for the odd semesters (first, third, and fifth) will occur in December, and those for the even semesters (second, fourth, sixth) will be scheduled for May 2026.
This opportunity is open only for courses under the semester system introduced after May 2011. The exams will follow the current syllabus and will be conducted exclusively at Patiala. The university has clarified that the fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Gurdas Singh, the district president of the Punjab Student Union, labeled the action as “exploitative” and “insensitive.”
“They stated, ‘This isn’t a ‘golden opportunity’ for students, but rather for the university itself.’”
Gurdas Singh stated, “Rather than making money under the name of Guru Sahib, the university ought to let students obtain their degrees at no charge.” The administration needs to reverse the decision to ensure that additional students can authentically take advantage of this opportunity and achieve a brighter future.”
