Karnavati University Served Fresh Notice Over Fee Refund Delay Despite UGC Order

Karnavati University in Gandhinagar has once again come under scrutiny after allegedly failing to refund a student’s fees despite the cancellation of admission within the prescribed timeline and directions issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Higher Education Department has issued a fresh notice to the university and summoned its registrar to appear in person and explain the delay.

The action comes after the university allegedly failed to comply with both UGC regulations and an earlier assurance given to the state government regarding the fee refund.

Student Alleges Fee Not Refunded Two Years After Admission Cancellation

The case pertains to Ayush Sorathiya, a student from Surat who secured admission to the BSc Computer Science programme at Karnavati University in 2024.

According to the complaint, the student paid ₹1.40 lakh as academic fees and ₹2.60 lakh towards hostel and mess charges, taking the total amount deposited to ₹4 lakh.

However, the admission was cancelled within the stipulated period after a few days.

Despite the timely cancellation, the university allegedly did not refund the fees.

UGC Order Also Allegedly Ignored

Following the delay, the student approached the University Grants Commission (UGC), which reportedly directed Karnavati University to refund the fees.

The complainant has alleged that the university did not comply with the UGC’s directions either.

Subsequently, the student’s parent filed a complaint with the Gujarat Higher Education Department.

Registrar Summoned Again

After receiving the complaint, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education had earlier issued a notice to the university and conducted a personal hearing.

During the hearing, the university’s registrar reportedly assured the authorities that the remaining refund would be processed within 30 days.

However, as the refund was allegedly not made even after the assurance, the department has now issued another notice directing the registrar to appear before officials and submit an explanation.

Another Fee Refund Complaint Also Under Examination

The Higher Education Department is also examining another complaint against Karnavati University involving a separate student’s fee refund dispute.

The government has sought the university’s response in that case as well, indicating closer scrutiny of the institution’s compliance with UGC fee refund regulations.

Fee Refund Dispute at a Glance