“Unfair and Illogical”: GMC Srinagar’s Fee Gap Sparks Student Anger

Mansoor Peer
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23 Apr 2026

Srinagar,22 April: A glaring fee disparity at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has sparked concern among paramedical students, with the courses costing more than the MBBS programme despite being shorter in duration.

Paramedical students (B.Sc Allied Health Care) allege that they are being charged around Rs 65,000 for a three-year course, higher than the nearly Rs 60,000 fee for the five-year MBBS course, while also far exceeding fees in other institutions.

Terming the gap “unjust,” students on Wednesday protested against the GMC Srinagar authorities, demanding fee rationalisation and parity with MBBS and B.Sc. Nursing courses.

“ Nursing students at GMC Srinagar are paying around 25,000 for their three-year degree programme, while MBBS students are paying approximately 60,000 for the complete five-year course,” said a female student from Baramulla.

As per students, in comparison to other colleges like GMC Anantnag and SKIMS Srinagar, their full course fee is only around 18,500 as compared to GMC Srinagar charging 65,000 for the same.

They said differences in fee structure has caused concern among students, their families, especially when paramedical students are charged higher fees for shorter duration courses.

In a representation, addressed to Principal GMC Srinagar, paramedical students said that they don’t have their own dedicated college building, permanent staff, proper management system, hostel facilities, sports infrastructure, or any other adequate infrastructure.

“Students are facing various difficulties due to the lack of proper facilities and administrative arrangements. Despite the absence of basic facilities and institutional support, students are being asked to pay an excessively high fee, which appears unjust and unreasonable,” they said.

They appealed to the medical college authorities to review the fee structure for Paramedical courses on fair and reasonable grounds, keeping in view the fee pattern of other courses being offered within the same institution.

“Many students belong to economically weaker backgrounds, and the present fee burden is creating financial stress for them. A reconsideration of the fee structure would provide great relief to deserving students and promote equal educational opportunities,” the student said.

Meanwhile, the All India Medical Students Association has extended its support to the paramedical students and urged the authorities to intervene.

The protesting students alleged that the revised fee structure is unfair and significantly higher compared to similar courses offered at other colleges, causing financial stress for many families.

Dr Mohd Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA, backed the students’ demands and called upon the concerned authorities to review the fee hike.

He stated that education should remain accessible and affordable, especially for students pursuing healthcare professions. Khan further urged the administration to engage in dialogue with the students and resolve the matter fairly and transparently.