Lahore (HRNW) In a recent development, all nine examination boards in Punjab have rolled out a fee hike for the upcoming annual examinations.
The notification released by the examination boards outlines a significant increase in the matric exam fee, soaring from Rs550 to Rs700.
This rise is accompanied by additional charges, including contributions to the development fund, scholarship fund, and sports funds, along with an elevated processing fee for the admission form.
According to the notification, students are now required to pay Rs200 for the development fund, Rs80 for the scholarship fund, Rs100 for the sports fee, and Rs530 for the processing fee, in addition to the original exam fee.
The admission form fee has also been adjusted to Rs100.
For regular science group students in classes 9th and 10th, the fee is set at Rs1,400, while arts group students with practicals will also be charged Rs1,400. General group students face a fee of Rs1,300.
Private students, however, will experience different fee structures based on their chosen group, with science group students paying Rs1,500, arts group students with practicals charged Rs1,500, and general group students bearing a fee of Rs1,400.
Consequently, the total admission fee for regular science group students mirrors that of regular arts group students, both standing at Rs3,110, including practicals. Regular arts group students, excluding practicals, will pay a total admission fee of Rs3,010.
Private science group students face a total admission fee of Rs3,210, while private arts group students with practicals will pay Rs3,210. Private arts group students, without practicals, are required to pay a total fee of Rs3,110.
The notification emphasized that the deadline for admission with a single fee is from November 15 to December 12. Subsequently, double fees will be applicable from December 13 to December 26, and the last date for submission of admission with triple fees is from December 27 to January 3.
This fee hike has sparked discussions within educational circles, with concerns raised about its potential impact on students, particularly those from economically challenged backgrounds. As the deadline for submission approaches, students and parents are navigating the financial implications of these adjustments, urging a reevaluation of the revised fee structure.