More than half of Mumbai’s private unaided professional colleges have missed the Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA) deadline to submit their 2026-27 fee revision proposals. The final date was October 31, 2025, and this time, the authority refused to extend it any further.
Why So Many Colleges Missed the Deadline
Many colleges said they were caught up with exams and Diwali vacations, leaving them short on time to prepare documents. In earlier years, FRA had offered extensions, but this year, the body stuck firmly to the schedule to ensure timely reviews.
A senior college official said, “We expected an extension like before, but this time the authority was strict. The schedule clashed with semester exams.”
What the FRA Says
According to FRA member Dharmendra Mishra, out of around 3,000 institutions, over 1,000 have already submitted applications. About 700 colleges decided not to increase their fees at all. Mishra called it a “positive sign” and added that the FRA would decide soon whether late colleges might get a small window to apply — possibly with a fine.
What Happens Next
- Students: The delay could slow down updates on fee structures, scholarships, and admissions for the next session.
- Colleges: Institutions that missed the date might have to pay a fine or stick to last year’s approved fee.
- Regulator: The FRA’s strict stand shows that the government wants more transparency in how colleges fix their fees.
New Courses Under Review
For the first time, traditional courses such as BMS, BBA, and BCA are part of the FRA process after being listed under the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This means more colleges than ever before must follow professional course rules.
While the FRA’s move has improved discipline among institutions, the fact that over 50 % of colleges missed the deadline shows there’s still a long way to go. Both colleges and students now await clarity on whether the authority will grant a short grace period — or stand firm on its no-extension rule.
