VTU has recently introduced On-Demand Examination (ODE) facility for eligible engineering students with backlog. This is expected to help students clear pending subjects without waiting for the regular supplementary examination schedule but its examination fee structure has raised questions on affordability.
As per VTU’s notification dated 4 November 2026, students appearing for the On-Demand Examination will have to pay ₹5,000 per subject.
The university has also fixed an application fee of ₹40 and grade card fee of ₹500 so total amount payable per subject will be ₹5,540 (no charges applicable if student appears in subsequent attempts).
The notification has generated an important debate about the financial burden placed on students who are already struggling to overcome academic backlogs.
For many students failing a subject does not mean lack of effort. Personal problems, financial problems, health issues and academic challenges can all affect performance in examinations.
However, spending thousands of rupees to get another chance at clearing a paper may make the situation even worse.
What Does VTU's New Examination Notification Say
The notification says that ODE facility in November 2026 is for eligible B.E and B.Tech students with backlog in first and second semester under 2022 and 2025 schemes respectively.
Students can register through the official portal https://ode.vtu.ac.in and applications will be submitted by their department logins only. The examination slots are on November 13 & 14, November 20 & 21 and November 27 & 28.
The university has also said that students can attempt multiple ODEs but not more than eight attempts per subject (regular, arrears, summer semester and on-demand examinations combined).
The new system allows flexibility but the examination fee is still a major problem for students with multiple backlogs.
Is ₹5,000 Per Subject Affordable for Students
The impact is bigger when a student has failed in multiple subjects. So if a student appears for 3 subjects then he/she will have to pay ₹15,000 as examination fees alone. Adding application and grade card charges it would be ₹15,540.
For students from poor families it may not be easy to arrange such an amount at short notice. Engineering education already involves tuition fees, accommodation, transportation of books etc.
Students who need additional attempts might have to pay even more. The notification also says additional amount for subsequent attempts in the same ODE window.
Should Education Become This Expensive
The purpose of an examination system is for students to be given a fair opportunity to show what they know and complete their education. Universities have operational costs for running examinations but the fee structure should also take into account the financial situation of students.
An on-demand examination system can certainly help students by reducing waiting time and avoiding unnecessary academic delay but its benefits could be limited if the examination fees prohibit students from taking advantage of it.
Rather than students having to choose between paying a hefty examination fee and delaying their education VTU could introduce affordable examination fees; financial concessions for economically weaker students; clear explanation of cost structure.
Students Deserve Opportunities, Not Financial Pressure
ODE is a good move towards greater flexibility in the examination process but the university must also ensure that it remains available to students from different financial backgrounds.
A student shouldn’t have to ask whether continuing an education is financially possible because there is a backlog. The bigger question isn’t whether students should write their examinations or give up on education it’s whether the examination system can support them without putting an unreasonable financial burden on them.
VTU’s new initiative may be a faster way to clear backlogs but ₹5,000 per subject fee has made affordability an issue. Students and parents will now want clarity on fee structure and whether concessions or revisions will be made.
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