Intermediate Exam Fee Hike Announced Across Pakistan’s Educational Boards

Amid mounting financial pressures, all 14 education boards in Pakistan, including those in Rawalpindi Division, have announced an increase in examination fees for Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) students.

This hike in fees will take effect for the 2025 intermediate exams, sparking fresh concerns for families already struggling with educational expenses.

Under the updated policy, private candidates are now expected to pay Rs. 5,000, while regular students will pay a combined fee of Rs. 4,800. The breakdown includes fees of Rs. 1,400 for arts students and Rs. 1,500 for science students in the regular category. Private candidates will pay Rs. 1,500 for arts and Rs. 1,600 for science.

Each student must also pay a Rs. 1,000 registration fee, Rs. 1,000 certificate fee, and Rs. 1,000 processing fee. An additional Rs. 700 will cover development, scholarship, and postal charges. Students transferring from other boards will incur a further Rs. 1,000 for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The deadlines for fee submissions are set as follows: November 27 for single fees, December 11 for double fees, and December 24 for triple fees. A late submission option is available with a Rs. 200 daily penalty until February 11, which increases to a Rs. 700 daily penalty until February 21, 2025.

This fee hike has sparked widespread concern among parents, including Nadeem Asghar and Faisal Mufti, who argue that the government should bear educational costs under its constitutional duty. Many fear these rising fees could push low-income families out of the education system, making schooling unattainable for some students.

News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani