Jamshedpur, Feb. 5: City students under the aegis of Sanyukt Chhatra Sangh today protested in front of the Ranchi University branch office against the abnormal hike in fees for the degree Part-III examination.

In a recent move, the university had raised the examination fee for the students appearing for the BA, BSc and BCom third year examination from Rs 195 to Rs 960. The sudden hike in fee has provoked the students’ union to call for a mass protest.

“The university has raised the fee without any prior notice. Therefore, we have decided to protest and also have given an ultimatum that if our demands are not addressed within 48 hours, we will lock up the office,” said Ravi Ranjam Singh Chandel, state president of the students’ unit.

While the students’ body protested in the city, university top officials held a meeting in Ranchi today and decided to come clear on the issue in a few days time.

“From this year, the university has decided to adopt the methods of ICSE and CBSE board. From now on, all the relevant certificates would be handed over to the students on the particular day of the result. For this reason, the fee has been increased,” said S.S. Razi, also present at the meeting.

Authorities ruled out the possibility of extending the process to other exams.