Punjab education boards have significantly increased examination fees, citing a severe financial shortfall, a move that has sparked concern among students and parents. The revised fee structure introduces several new charges, adding to the already rising cost of appearing in board examinations across the province.
According to officials, the boards have imposed a new fee for installing CCTV cameras at examination centers, along with a Rs. 900 miscellaneous charge. In addition, the certificate fee has been increased sharply from Rs. 550 to Rs. 1,000, further escalating overall expenses for candidates.
After including all new charges and applicable taxes, private candidates appearing in FA and FSc annual examinations will now have to pay Rs. 7,730. Regular students will pay slightly less, but still a substantial amount, with the total revised fee set at Rs. 7,570.
For intermediate annual examinations starting on May 20, 2026, boards have finalized a detailed fee breakdown. This includes admission, registration, processing, certificate, miscellaneous, CCTV, development, scholarship, and postal charges, collectively making the examination process far more expensive than previous years.
Education boards have also revised admission fees for intermediate students. Regular arts students will now pay Rs. 1,700, while regular science students will pay Rs. 1,740. Private candidates face even higher charges, with arts students paying Rs. 1,800 and science students Rs. 1,900.
The All Pakistan Private Schools Associations have strongly rejected the increase. Their leaders argued that most examination halls already have CCTV cameras and said students should not bear these costs. They also termed the miscellaneous and certificate fee hikes excessive, warning that the decision will place an unfair financial burden on families.
