DU’s St Stephen’s College Implements Dual-Payment System For First-Year Students

Delhi University has a total of 91 colleges, widely considered among the best in India. (File Photo)

Delhi University’s St Stephen’s College has introduced a dual-payment system for first-year students, requiring them to make separate payments for university and college fees. This decision by the College not only violates Delhi University’s one-portal payment policy but also compels students to pay over three times the university’s actual fee share.

First-year students are charged between Rs 11,551 and Rs 11,630 as the Delhi University (DU) component of their fees, which is over three times the university’s actual annual share of Rs 3,500.

This results in an excess payment of more than Rs 8,000 per student, marking a significant 230 per cent increase. With approximately 400 new students enrolled, the total overcharge amounts to around Rs 32 lakh. For students with disabilities (PwD), the college listed the DU fee as Rs 1,150, compared to the official Rs 875—an overage of 31 per cent.

Students were instructed to pay the Delhi University fee through the university’s official portal, while the college fee, ranging from Rs 17,500 to Rs 19,000 per semester, is to be paid separately after enrollment. Consequently, the overall cost for a BA or BSc programme at the college is approximately Rs 30,000 per semester.

“All UG & PG applicants are hereby notified that the DU fee (annual fee) is to be paid through the DU Admission Portal/Website, while the College fee (semester fee) is to be paid after joining the College,” states the official notice by the college.

Revised Fee Structure First-Year Students (General Category)

This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Delhi University and St Stephen’s College regarding issues of administrative autonomy and compliance with university regulations. In recent years, the college has consistently asserted its independence in shaping internal policies, particularly by conducting its own admission interviews. This practice has sparked debate and drawn scrutiny.