THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University is reconsidering its decision to significantly increase exam fees in the name of implementing a four-year degree program. Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel has directed the Finance Officer and the Exam Controller to immediately submit a report on the matter. The officers have been directed to clarify whether the new examination system has led to increased operational costs and if the fee hike is proportionate to these expenses. The Vice-Chancellor told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that he would take a stand in favour of the students.

In Health university and similar institutions, fee hikes are typically around 20%. However, in Kerala University, fees have been hiked by three to four times. Examination fees for theory papers have been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 150 and for theory with practicals, from Rs 50 to Rs 250. For improvement exams, fees have been increased to Rs 200 and Rs 300, respectively. For supplementary exams, fees are now Rs 300 per theory paper and Rs 350 for theory with practicals, compared to the earlier Rs 50 and Rs 100. The fee for re-evaluation has been raised to Rs 300 and Rs 500.

The fees were hiked on the recommendation of the Finance Committee of the Syndicate. No one in the syndicate objected to the fee hike.