SC/ST JRF scholars write to Bangalore University V-C, urge review of fee notification
Ph.D. and M.Phil. scholars from SC/ST and Category-I communities at Bangalore University are protesting a new fee notification that requires them to pay the same rates as General Merit students. The students have petitioned the Vice-Chancellor to review the policy, which the university says is currently under consideration by a committee.
Why it matters
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions regarding equitable access to higher education and the financial burden placed on marginalized student groups.
SC/ST JRF scholars write to Bangalore University V-C, urge review of fee notification left JRF is a government-funded programme that provides financial assistance to meritorious candidates pursuing full-time Ph.D. and M.Phil. research. File Photo File Photo https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7m1h0h/article71588748.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/_JAI1655.JPG SUDHAKARA JAIN KARNATAKA : BENGALURU : 07/05/2026 : Students take part in the Chemothsava Festival celebrating chemistry talent, organized by Dr. Manmohan Singh Bangalore City University in Bengaluru on Thursday 07 May 2026. . PHOTO : SUDHAKARA JAIN / THE HINDU. Bengaluru Around 80 Ph.D. scholars and M.Phil. researchers from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Category-I communities, who receive funding under the Union government’s Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme, have raised concerns over Bangalore University directing them to pay the same annual fees as General Merit (GM) category students, according to a recently issued official fee notification. While the students have recently written to Vice-Chancellor C.
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