Understanding the Rise in Punjab Boards Examination Fees
Punjab education boards have significantly raised Punjab Boards examination fees to address a severe financial shortfall. This decision places a substantial financial burden on thousands of students preparing for their board exams. Consequently, students and their families across the province are now facing unexpected challenges, potentially impacting their educational plans.
New Charges and Revised Fee Structure
The boards introduced several new charges. For instance, a fee for installing CCTV cameras at examination centers is now in effect. Furthermore, they added a new Rs. 900 miscellaneous fee. Another significant change saw the certificate fee increase from Rs. 550 to a notable Rs. 1,000. These revisions significantly alter the overall cost structure for all candidates.
After incorporating these new charges and various taxes, private candidates sitting for FA and FSc annual examinations will now pay Rs. 7,730. In contrast, regular students will face a fee of Rs. 7,570. This represents a considerable rise from previous years, directly affecting students’ financial planning and access to education.
Detailed Breakdown of Intermediate Board Examination Fees (2026)
For intermediate annual examinations commencing May 20, 2026, the revised fee structure includes various components. Specifically, these new charges contribute to the overall increase, making it crucial for students to understand each element of these examination fees.
- Admission Fee: Rs. 1,000
- Registration Fee: Rs. 1,000
- Processing Fee: Rs. 1,000
- Certificate Fee: Rs. 1,000
- Miscellaneous Fee: Rs. 900
- CCTV Fee: Rs. 30
- Development Charges: Rs. 350
- Scholarship Fee: Rs. 250
- Postal Charges: Rs. 300
Moreover, boards have differentiated intermediate admission fees based on student categories:
- Regular Arts Students: Rs. 1,700
- Regular Science Students: Rs. 1,740
- Private Arts Students: Rs. 1,800
- Private Science Students: Rs. 1,900
Strong Opposition to Increased Examination Fees
The All Pakistan Private Schools Associations have vehemently rejected this fee increase. Officials estimate that education boards in Punjab stand to collect a staggering Rs. 15 billion through these revised fees. Consequently, this significant financial impact has sparked widespread concern among educational stakeholders nationwide.
Prominent figures, including All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association President Abrar Ahmed Khan, All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association President Irfan Muzaffar Kiani, and All Pakistan Private Schools Association President Malik Naseem Ahmed, have strongly condemned the increase. They expressed deep dissatisfaction with the new policy, highlighting the added burden on students and families.
Critically, these leaders argued that examination halls already possess CCTV cameras. Therefore, they asserted that students should not bear this additional cost. Additionally, they described the Rs. 900 miscellaneous fee as unjust and labeled the rise in certificate and processing fees as excessive. Ultimately, they advocate for a reversal of these burdensome charges.
