Mohan Babu University Faces Fee Controversy

Mohan Babu University (MBU), a prominent institution in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is currently under scrutiny following serious allegations of fee irregularities. The issue has sparked widespread debate across educational and legal circles, with implications for students, regulatory bodies, and the university’s future.

A detailed investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission (APHERMC) revealed that MBU collected ₹26.17 crore in excess fees from students between 2022 and 2024. These charges exceeded government-approved limits across multiple courses, including BTech, MBA, MSc, BPharmacy, and Paramedical programs.

• BTech students paid ₹5,000 to ₹45,500 more than permitted.
• Degree and postgraduate students were charged ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 extra.
• BPharmacy and Pharma-D students faced ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 in additional fees.
• Agriculture and Health Sciences students paid ₹22,000 to ₹45,000 above the norm.

Following complaints from the Andhra Pradesh Parents’ Association, APHERMC conducted surprise inspections and confirmed large-scale violations. The commission imposed a ₹15 lakh penalty and directed MBU to refund the excess amount within 15 days.

MBU claimed that students voluntarily paid the higher fees, a justification rejected by the commission. The university has since approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which granted a stay on the commission’s recommendations. MBU maintains that the findings are incorrect and expects a favorable verdict.

The High Court instructed APHERMC to upload its interim orders online, responding to MBU’s concerns about reputational damage. The next hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2025. The case remains sub judice, and stakeholders await further judicial clarity.

The commission recommended transferring current students to Sri Venkateswara University to ensure academic continuity. This move aims to protect students from administrative disruptions and uphold educational standards.

Founded under the Sri Vidyanikethan Educational Trust, MBU has long been celebrated for its academic excellence and social initiatives. The university offers scholarships to children of armed forces personnel and supports orphaned students. Despite the controversy, many stakeholders continue to support its mission.

MBU has established joint degree programs with Penn State University (USA), RWTH Aachen (Germany), and the University of Wisconsin. These partnerships reflect its commitment to global education and student mobility.

The issue has drawn significant media attention, with debates on transparency, student rights, and regulatory oversight. Educational experts stress the need for clear fee structures and accountability in private institutions.

As the legal process unfolds, the future of MBU hangs in balance. The outcome will likely influence policy reforms and set precedents for fee governance in higher education across India.