No Fee Hike for Nursing Courses This Year: Karnataka Govt Stands Firm*l

Patil rejects demand from nursing colleges, warns strict action against overcharging

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, July 11: In a strong message to private nursing colleges, the Karnataka government has announced that there will be no fee hike for nursing courses this academic year, reiterating its commitment to protecting students from economically weaker sections.
Medical education & skill development minister Dr. Sharanaprakash Patil made this clear during a meeting with the Association of Nursing Colleges held at Vikasa Soudha on Thursday.

“The government will not allow any fee increase. Most nursing students come from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Imposing additional fees is unjust and unacceptable,” said Dr. Patil, firmly rejecting the association’s plea to raise the fees.

He stated that the existing fee structure — Rs 10,000 under the government quota, Rs 1 lakh under the management quota and Rs 1.4 lakh for non-Karnataka students — will continue. “Any college charging more than the approved fee will face penalties and legal action. We will not hesitate to revoke their affiliation,” he asserted.

Currently, there are 611 nursing colleges in the state with around 35,000 seats. Of these, 80% are filled by the management, and 20% fall under the government quota.

The minister also directed Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Director H. Prasanna to ensure reimbursement of fees to nursing colleges within 30 days. He further clarified that only the state government will decide on filling unallocated seats, closing the door to any unauthorized changes.