Delhi and Punjab implement new private school fee regulations

Indian state governments in Delhi and Punjab have introduced new measures to regulate fee increases in private schools.

In Delhi, the government has ordered all private schools to establish school-level fee regulation committees within 10 days. These committees must submit proposed fee structures for the 2026-29 academic years for examination. Until new fees are finalized, schools are prohibited from charging more than the rates applicable on April 1, 2025. Any excess charges collected during this period must be adjusted against future fees. Additionally, District Fee Appellate Committees will be formed to resolve disputes.

In Punjab, the state Assembly passed the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation caps annual fee hikes at 5 per cent for approximately 7,800 private schools, covering tuition and all mandatory charges such as development, technology, and transportation fees. The bill requires schools to refund parents if cumulative increases exceed 15 per cent over three years. Violators face fines and potential cancellation of affiliation.