In a move that has stirred widespread concern, all 14 education boards across Pakistan, including those in the Rawalpindi Division, have announced a significant increase in examination fees for Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) students. The revised fee structure, effective for the 2025 intermediate exams, adds to the mounting financial burden on families already grappling with the rising cost of education.
Under the new policy, regular students will pay Rs. 4,800, while private candidates will face a fee of Rs. 5,000. For regular candidates, the fee includes Rs. 1,400 for arts students and Rs. 1,500 for science students. Private candidates are required to pay Rs. 1,500 for arts and Rs. 1,600 for science.
In addition to these charges, students must pay a Rs. 1,000 registration fee, a Rs. 1,000 certificate fee, and a Rs. 1,000 processing fee. An additional Rs. 700 will be levied for development, scholarship, and postal expenses. Students transferring from other boards will incur an extra Rs. 1,000 for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Payment Deadlines and Penalties
The deadlines for fee payments have been set:
– Single fee: November 27, 2024
– Double fee: December 11, 2024
– Triple fee: December 24, 2024
Late payments will incur a daily fine of Rs. 200 until February 11, 2025, after which the penalty rises to Rs. 700 per day.
The fee hike has sparked outrage among parents, educators, and social activists. Parents like Nadeem Asghar and Faisal Mufti have criticized the government for failing to uphold its constitutional responsibility to provide affordable education.
“The government should subsidize educational expenses to ensure that every child has access to learning opportunities. This fee hike is a step backward,” said Nadeem Asghar, a parent of two students preparing for their exams.
The increased costs may force many low-income families to make difficult decisions about their children’s education. For some, the financial burden could mean dropping out altogether, exacerbating educational inequality in the country.
Educational experts warn that such policies, while addressing fiscal challenges faced by the boards, risk alienating a significant portion of the student population. They urge the government to reconsider the fee structure or introduce subsidies to support struggling families.
As the 2025 exam season approaches, the decision has placed additional pressure on families and reignited debates about the accessibility and affordability of education in Pakistan.