The authorities of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have justified the hike in fees across various heads in the new academic year.The Students Federation of India (SFI) had submitted a letter to the authorities, expressing concern over the recent increase in various student-related fees. It had urged the authorities to review and reconsider the increased fee structure. The authorities pointed out that a Syndicate sub-committee had proposed the changes in the fee structure, including the hike under various heads. It was approved by the Syndicate meeting held in December 2025.The letter submitted by the Students’ Federation of India pointed out that there has been a substantial increase in the common academic fees to be remitted at the time of admission in 2026 compared to the rates in 2025. The caution deposit has been increased to ₹3,000 from ₹1,580 last year, while the extracurricular activities fee has gone up to ₹1,900 from ₹1,460. The alumni fee has also been increased to ₹800 from ₹610 last year, the letter said.The federation stated that the newly-introduced one-time establishment fee and the hike in the fee revision under the NRI category will increase the burden on the students in the new academic year. Published - May 13, 2026 09:50 pm IST