Chennai: Allegations have surfaced that private medical colleges in Tamil Nadu are forcing students to pay up to ₹3 lakh every year as compulsory donations, in addition to the officially fixed tuition and hostel fees. Parents and officials are reportedly hesitant to lodge complaints, fearing repercussions.

Tamil Nadu has 26 private medical colleges, where fees are determined annually by the state-appointed Medical Education Fee Fixation Committee. For the current academic year, the MBBS tuition fee has been revised from ₹13.5 lakh to ₹15 lakh. Hostel charges are fixed at ₹2.5 lakh, food at ₹1.35 lakh, transportation at ₹1.75 lakh, and other fees up to ₹3 lakh.

Despite this regulation, parents allege that colleges continue to demand an additional ₹3 lakh annually as “donation,” without issuing receipts. “Last year, we paid ₹13.5 lakh along with ₹3 lakh extra. This year, though the official tuition was set at ₹13.9 lakh, colleges again collected ₹3 lakh on top of hostel and other fees. If we refuse, they warn our children will face difficulties in writing exams,” a parent said.

Parents claim that since many private colleges are owned or influenced by powerful individuals, including government officials, both families and regulators are reluctant to act. “Authorities know this practice exists, but they are afraid to stop it. When even officials fear action, how can parents come forward to complain openly?” another parent asked.

The allegations have raised fresh concerns over transparency in medical education, even as official fee structures continue to be bypassed.