Punjab education boards have significantly increased examination fees, triggering concern among students, parents, and private school associations across the province. The decision comes as boards struggle to cope with a serious financial shortfall, shifting the burden directly onto candidates appearing in board exams.
What New Charges Have Been Added?
According to the revised fee structure, Punjab boards have introduced multiple new charges and raised existing ones:
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CCTV Camera Fee: Newly added for examination centers
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Miscellaneous Fee: Rs. 900
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Certificate Fee: Increased from Rs. 550 to Rs. 1,000
These additions have sharply increased the total cost of appearing in board exams.
How Much Will Students Pay Now?
After including all new charges and taxes:
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Private FA/FSc candidates: Rs. 7,730
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Regular FA/FSc candidates: Rs. 7,570
This increase applies to intermediate annual examinations scheduled to begin on May 20, 2026.
Complete Fee Breakdown for Intermediate Exams 2026
The revised structure includes:
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Admission Fee: Rs. 1,000
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Registration Fee: Rs. 1,000
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Processing Fee: Rs. 1,000
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Certificate Fee: Rs. 1,000
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Miscellaneous Fee: Rs. 900
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CCTV Charges: Rs. 30
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Development Charges: Rs. 350
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Scholarship Fee: Rs. 250
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Postal Charges: Rs. 300
Admission Fees by Category
Punjab boards have also set different admission fees based on category and subject group:
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Regular Arts: Rs. 1,700
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Regular Science: Rs. 1,740
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Private Arts: Rs. 1,800
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Private Science: Rs. 1,900
Strong Reaction from Private School Associations
The decision has been strongly rejected by major private school bodies across Pakistan.
Leaders including Abrar Ahmed Khan, Irfan Muzaffar Kiani, and Malik Naseem Ahmed criticized the hike, stating that:
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Most examination halls already have CCTV cameras
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Students should not bear infrastructure costs
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The Rs. 900 miscellaneous fee is unjustified
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Certificate and processing fee increases are excessive
Boards Expect Massive Revenue Collection
Despite criticism, officials estimate that Punjab education boards could collect up to Rs. 15 billion through the revised fee structure — a figure that has intensified public debate.
What This Means for Students & Parents
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Higher financial pressure on middle- and lower-income families
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Increased cost for private candidates
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Growing calls for government intervention
As exams approach, students and parents are demanding clarity and relief, while boards remain firm on the revised charges.
