Chennai: Students allotted seats at private medical colleges in the state have written to the Directorate of Medical Education, saying they were told after allotment that the MBBS programme was fully residential and would cost an extra ₹8.2 lakh.
The college, a constituent of St Joseph University, told parents that it has made it mandatory for MBBS students to stay in approved hostels for the four-and-a-half-year course and the one-year internship from 2026-27. Because she can stay at my place and attend college, “My niece chose this college.
“Doctors at the college told parents the policy was intended to ensure academic continuity, clinical training, safety, and discipline. Parents were surprised by this decision when they came to pay the fees,” said student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam. Most colleges collect additional fees citing books, coats, library and lab charges. Attempts to reach the college administration by TOI were unsuccessful.
On Saturday, parents said Kanyakumari Medical Mission Medical College and Research Centre had made hostel accommodation compulsory while admissions were underway.