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College holding my original certificates
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Before anything elseColleges are not allowed to keep your original certificates.
You need your originals — ask in writing nowColleges are not allowed to keep originals. Send a written demand and complain to UGC if refused.
Make my own list — free, 2 minutes
Your situation
- What kind of institution? College / university
- What is the problem? Original certificates withheld
Do these now
- Complain on UGC e-Samadhaan
UGC acts on refund and certificate complaints. Where: UGC website.
Papers to gather
- Fee receipts and payment proof
Basis of the refund. Where: Institution, bank statement. - Student ID / enrolment or roll number and admission records
Identifies you in any complaint. Where: Institution, ID card. - Admission letter, prospectus and fee/refund policy
Shows the refund and fee terms. Where: Website, brochure. - List of originals submitted and any receipt for them
Proves retention. Where: Admission receipt.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Written request and any reply — Needed for UGC / regulator / court.
What the law says
UGC's fee-refund rules require refunds on withdrawal of admission (full refund, with a small processing deduction, if you withdraw in time) and prohibit higher-education institutions from retaining original certificates. School fee increases are regulated by state fee laws in many states. Education services can also be challenged before the Consumer Commission in some cases.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Have you asked in writing?
Similar situations
- College won’t refund fees after I left
- School increased fees by a lot
- School won’t give the transfer certificate
- Result withheld or wrong marks
- Coaching institute won’t refund after I quit
- Child denied admission under the RTE free seats quota
- Degree not recognised or college was fake
- Scholarship not credited
Sources
The full guide: School, college or coaching — fee refund, certificates withheld, or admission/result problem · All situations