The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati campus erupted in protest with chants of "Kam karo, kam karo, fee hike kam karo" on Tuesday, as hundreds of research scholars and MTech students staged a demonstration against what they claim is an "exceptionally high" hike in fees.

The agitation began on Monday and gained momentum overnight, culminating in a mass demonstration as students rallied to voice their discontent. This year’s fee hike has affected not just PhD students but also those enrolled in BTech and MTech programmes, a move that students say has left many reeling financially, reported NDTV.

According to protesting scholars, the unrest was triggered by what they describe as a breach of trust by the administration. An open house session held on July 17, attended by the institute’s director, deans of student and academic affairs, and senior officials, had assured students that the revised fee structure would be reconsidered. However, students claim those assurances have not materialised.

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IIT Guwahati has increased the fees unnecessary, it's an injustice.@IITGuwahati pic.twitter.com/250kVVEyv6

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"During the open house, the administration told us they were willing to listen. In reality, it now seems they were just trying to buy time," said one PhD scholar, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Registration for the July–November semester began on Tuesday (22 July), but we weren’t allowed to register without paying the increased fees. This, despite promises of a revision."

IIT Guwahati Fee Hike 

Tensions escalated when research scholars were reportedly denied access to departmental registration due to unpaid dues, a move that many saw as a breach of the institute's verbal commitments. In response, students gathered in large numbers, refusing to pay until the hike is rolled back.

Some students, facing imminent deadlines and academic uncertainty, paid the hiked fees under protest. But many continue to resist. “Our research is on hold, our future uncertain and we’re out here protesting under the blazing sun,” one student said.

Figures cited by protesting scholars reveal the extent of the fee increase. The PhD semester fee, they claim, has risen from ₹34,800 in January–May 2025 to ₹45,700 for the ongoing semester, a jump of ₹10,900. For incoming PhD students, the upfront fee is reportedly as high as ₹92,000, while their per-semester costs could reach ₹57,000, a figure that exceeds their monthly stipend by nearly ₹20,000.

Part-time scholars have also been hit hard. Their fees have reportedly surged tenfold: from ₹2,500 to ₹25,000 per semester.

Adding to their grievances, PhD students allege that IIT Guwahati has failed to disburse the House Rent Allowance (HRA) mandated by the central government. At the same time, scholars are still being charged hostel fees — a double blow they claim amounts to the institute "pocketing money twice."