Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 25: Aspiring doctors in Maharashtra received mixed news this week as the state's Fee Regulating Authority (FRA) revised medical education costs, slashing fees at some prominent colleges while allowing hikes up to Rs 1 lakh at others.

At the forefront of the reduction is Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Palghar, which witnessed one of the sharpest corrections in recent years. The FRA trimmed its MBBS fees from Rs 17.03 lakh to Rs 15.57 lakh and slashed its PG (MD/MS) fees from Rs 19.32 lakh to Rs 13.11 lakh — a significant Rs 6.21 lakh drop, providing much-needed relief to PG aspirants.

Other institutes such as Kashibai Navale Medical College and Somaiya Medical College also saw fee reductions, though less dramatic.

However, not all colleges shared the relief. In fact, most medical colleges saw hikes ranging between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.18 lakh. At the higher end:

• BKL Walawalkar Rural Medical College, Chiplun (Ratnagiri): MBBS fee hiked by Rs 1.06 lakh

• SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences, Nashik: MD/MS fee increased by Rs 1.18 lakh

Meanwhile, the FRA has fixed the ad hoc first-year MBBS fee at Rs 8.5 lakh for select institutions pending final approval.

A medical college principal, on condition of anonymity, noted that the implementation of EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quotas in private colleges could further impact the fee structure. “We are awaiting guidance from the state government on this aspect,” he added.

Parent representative Sudha Shenoy, who has been actively advocating for fair fee structures, welcomed the reductions. “It is heartening to see some corrections. In the past, while fees were expected to increase by around 5%, many colleges hiked them disproportionately,” she pointed out.

Shenoy also urged the FRA to ensure hostel fees are optional and not bundled compulsorily with tuition, a move that would bring further respite to families already burdened by steep educational costs.

As the medical seat matrix and admission guidelines await finalisation, stakeholders are keeping a close watch on how these fee adjustments will influence the 2025–26 academic admissions.