Chandigarh: A student seeking admission through Panjab University’s entrance route pays between 68% and 104% more than applicants using several comparable public university admission systems. At Rs 2,850 each for PU-CET (UG) and PU-CET (PG), Panjab University’s entrance examinations cost Rs 1,150 more than the fee charged for many entrance-based admissions at Punjabi University, Patiala, and more than double the Rs 1,400 charged for CUET-PG, the national examination used by central universities and numerous other institutions across the country. The figures place PU among the costliest public universities in the region at the application stage.The finding emerges from a comparison of admission charges across major public universities and admission systems in Punjab and North India. While Panjab University continues to be regarded as one of the region’s more affordable institutions after admission, the cost of merely competing for a seat is significantly higher than at many comparable universities.According to admission notifications issued for the 2026 session, general-category candidates are required to pay Rs 2,850 for PU-CET (UG) and Rs 2,850 for PU-CET (PG). Candidates opting for additional papers are required to pay extra charges, taking the total expenditure beyond the base fee.The contrast is most visible when compared with neighbouring public universities. Punjabi University, Patiala, charges Rs 1,700 for many entrance-based admissions. This means a PU aspirant pays nearly 68% more than an applicant appearing for several entrance examinations conducted by Punjabi University.The gap widens further when compared with national-level admission systems. CUET-PG, through which students seek admission to institutions including the Central University of Punjab, the University of Delhi and numerous other participating universities, carries a fee of Rs 1,400 for general-category candidates. In practical terms, a PU-CET (PG) applicant pays more than twice the amount charged for an examination that opens the door to multiple universities across India.The comparison is equally striking on the undergraduate side. While a student appearing for PU-CET (UG) pays Rs 2,850 to compete for admission to selected undergraduate programmes under Panjab University, CUET-UG serves as a common gateway for admissions to a large number of universities through a substantially lower fee structure.Punjab’s centralised law admission process offers another benchmark. Conducted this year by Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), the process charges Rs 2,600 from general-category candidates. Although the difference is narrower, the centralised system facilitates admissions to participating law institutions and affiliated colleges across Punjab through a single process. A PU applicant, by contrast, pays Rs 250 more for admission to programmes within a single university system.The issue is not merely the amount charged but the value proposition offered by different admission systems. Common entrance examinations and centralised admission frameworks allow students to compete for seats across multiple institutions through a single application, reducing both costs and duplication of examinations.The financial implications become more significant because students increasingly apply to several institutions simultaneously. A postgraduate applicant may submit applications to PU, Punjabi University, central universities and professional institutions during the same admission cycle. Entrance fees, registration charges, counselling costs and document-related expenses can therefore accumulate rapidly before admission is secured anywhere.An examination of private universities presents an equally noteworthy contrast. Institutions such as Chandigarh University, Amity University Mohali are charging Rs 1000 and 1,500 respectively. While the overall cost of education after admission remains considerably higher at private institutions, the initial cost of entering the admission process is often lower than that faced by applicants seeking admission through PU’s entrance route.Responding to concerns over the fee structure, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said the entrance-test charges had not witnessed any sudden or steep increase and had evolved over time in line with examination-related requirements. She said the university incurs expenditure on examination conduct, manpower, infrastructure and evaluation processes. Vig maintained that Panjab University continues to remain among the more affordable institutions in terms of academic fees after admission and that the university strives to maintain academic quality alongside administrative efficiency.For Panjab University, the numbers reveal an emerging contradiction. The institution continues to attract students because of comparatively low academic fees and strong academic credentials. Yet among major public universities in the region, it now charges some of the highest fees for the opportunity to compete for a seat.BOX: ENTRANCE FEE COMPARISON (GENERAL CATEGORY)Panjab University (PU-CET UG): Rs 2,850Panjab University (PU-CET PG): Rs 2,850Punjab Centralised Law Admissions (GNDU): Rs 2,600Punjabi University, Patiala (many entrance-based programmes): Rs 1,700CUET-PG: Rs 1,400BOX: HOW MUCH MORE DOES A PU ASPIRANT PAY?Rs 1,150 more than Punjabi University entrance examinationsRs 1,450 more than CUET-PGRs 250 more than Punjab’s centralised law admission processA student opting for an additional PU-CET paper pays extra over the base feeBOX: COST OF ACCESSWhile PU-CET fees apply for admission to programmes within the Panjab University system, CUET-based admissions provide eligibility to apply across multiple participating universities through a single examination. Similarly, Punjab’s centralised law admission process covers participating law institutions and affiliated colleges across the state through one application mechanism.
