The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has clarified that no fee hike is proposed for students amid concerns and protests over the transition to deemed-to-be university status, stating that affordability and access to higher education will remain unchanged as the institutional restructuring proceeds.
The clarification formed part of a response addressing issues related to governance, funding, academic continuity, and student safeguards following concerns raised for students by Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Authorities stated that the initiative is intended to strengthen higher education infrastructure while ensuring financial accessibility is maintained.
Officials said funding for the deemed university will continue through grants from the Union Territory Administration in line with University Grants Commission provisions. There are no proposals to increase tuition fees or introduce cost-recovery mechanisms under the new institutional structure. Any future revision, if required, would be considered by the Executive Council in consultation with the Administration and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
The Administration reiterated that students admitted before the 2025–26 academic session will continue under Pondicherry University affiliation, ensuring continuity in examinations, certification and academic procedures already in place. Degrees from the deemed university will apply only to students enrolling from the 2025–26 academic year onward. Transitional arrangements, including coordination with Pondicherry University for ongoing academic processes, are being planned to avoid disruption.
Authorities indicated that the shift to deemed university status is intended to address longstanding administrative and academic issues linked to remote affiliation, including delays in examinations, results and issuance of certificates. The proposed framework is expected to provide greater academic autonomy, quicker administrative response and curriculum flexibility aligned with regional employment sectors such as fisheries, tourism, marine studies and emerging technology fields.
Governance will be handled through statutory academic and administrative bodies, including an Executive Council chaired by the Vice Chancellor, along with academic oversight mechanisms such as the Academic Council and Boards of Studies. Proposed student grievance systems include institutional student support cells and a university-level ombudsman mechanism.
Officials also stated that degrees awarded under Section 3 of the UGC Act carry national recognition comparable to those issued by Central Universities, addressing concerns over the validity and acceptance of future qualifications.
Authorities maintained that the deemed university initiative is aimed at expanding higher education access, strengthening research capacity and addressing structural academic gaps in the islands while keeping higher education financially accessible for students.
