The Delhi government has made a significant statement in the High Court regarding the fee structure of private schools. On February 20, 2026, the government informed the court that private schools are prohibited from collecting any unregulated or unapproved fees for the upcoming academic session starting April 1, 2026. This move is part of the administration’s effort to enforce the new fee-regulation law and prevent arbitrary charges.
What are the New Fee Rules?
According to the submission made by the government counsel, the new rules are designed to stop profiteering. For the upcoming session beginning in April 2026, schools cannot charge anything other than the fee approved under the act. If a school collects excess fees, they will be required to refund the amount to parents within 20 days. Additionally, for the current 2025-26 session, fees remain frozen at the levels charged on April 1, 2025.
- Effective Date: April 1, 2026
- Fee Cycle: Approved fees will apply for a 3-year block (2026-29)
- Development Fee Cap: Maximum 10% of total tuition fee
Committees and Strict Penalties
The new regulation mandates that every private school must constitute a School-Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC). This committee ensures transparency and includes the principal, three teachers, a government nominee, and five parents selected through a lottery system. The government has set strict penalties for non-compliance. Schools found increasing fees without approval face fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Continued violations can result in the withdrawal of the school’s recognition.
Current Status in High Court
Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the Delhi government, argued that allowing unregulated fees would be disastrous for students and parents. However, private school associations have challenged the timeline, calling the process rushed. The High Court has extended interim relief to schools, directing the government not to force the formation of committees until the next hearing scheduled for February 24, 2026.
