Court grants stay on MDS fee structure: A category students to pay only 60%

Hyderabad: In a significant relief to postgraduate dental aspirants across Telangana, the High Court on Monday granted a stay on the current MDS fee structure prescribed for A Category students. The decision came shortly after the court accepted a lunch motion petition challenging the existing fee regime, which was set to expire at 3:00 PM — the last deadline for fee payment.

With the court’s ruling, A Category students will now pay only 60% of the total MDS tuition fee for the academic year 2025–2026. Institutions have been directed to comply with the revised fee structure with immediate effect.

Student Body Welcomes Court’s Decision

The court order has brought immediate relief to students and parents who had expressed deep concern over the financial burden posed by the previous fee schedule.

“This decision is a major step toward making postgraduate dental education more accessible. We’re thankful the court recognised the urgency and merit of the petition,” said a representative of AIDASA (All India Dental Association – Student Arm, Telangana Chapter).

Background: Fee Order Under Scrutiny

The fee structure in question was fixed by the state government through G.O. Ms. No.107, issued by the Health, Medical and Family Welfare (HM&FW) Department on July 28, 2023. The order followed recommendations from the Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC), submitted on July 14, 2023, and covered private unaided non-minority and minority institutions for the 2023–2026 block period.

Today’s court order puts a temporary hold on that structure for A Category students, pending further proceedings or policy revisions.

What the Government Order Mandated

The G.O. had outlined the following key rules for private institutions:

1. Annual fee collection, with the option of lump sum or instalments.

2. Fixed fee continuity for students admitted prior to 2023–24.

3. Ban on capitation fees or additional charges beyond the approved structure.

4. Mandated use of surplus funds strictly for institutional benefit.

5. Stipend requirement equal to government medical colleges under National Medical Commission norms.

Institutions found in violation of these conditions were to be subject to penalties or revocation of affiliation.

Immediate Implementation Required

With the High Court’s stay now in effect, institutions must act swiftly to update their payment portals, fee receipts, and communications to students.

“We received confirmation of the court’s order around 2:50 PM. We’ve paused all payment processing and will now recalibrate the fee structure as per the new directive,” said the principal of a private dental college in Hyderabad.

Next Steps

The stay provides temporary relief, but a final resolution on long-term fee structure adjustments may still depend on further hearings or revised government policy.

Meanwhile, the KNR University of Health Sciences, as well as principals of all private unaided dental colleges in Telangana, have been directed to take necessary action in accordance with the court’s ruling.