Punjab Boards Examination Fees Increase 2026. Punjab education boards have announced a massive examination fee increase for 2026, leaving students and parents worried.
This guide explains why fees increased, how much students must pay, and who is protesting.
Why Punjab Boards Increased Examination Fees in 2026
Punjab education boards are facing a serious financial shortfall.
Officials say rising operational costs forced boards to revise their fee structure.
Key Reasons Behind the Fee Hike
- Installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras at exam centers
- Increased administrative and processing expenses
- Higher costs for certificates, logistics, and postal services
- Revenue gap across Punjab examination boards
According to officials, these measures aim to ensure exam transparency and security, but students are now bearing the cost.
New Charges Introduced by Punjab Education Boards
Several new and revised charges have been added for Intermediate (FA/FSc) annual examinations starting May 20, 2026.
Major Newly Added Fees
- CCTV surveillance fee
- Rs. 900 miscellaneous charges
- Increased certificate fee
- Revised processing and admission fees
Education boards claim CCTV installation is mandatory, even though many centers already have cameras.
Updated Punjab Boards Examination Fee Structure 2026
Here is the complete breakdown of revised examination fees:
| Fee Category | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | 1,000 |
| Registration Fee | 1,000 |
| Processing Fee | 1,000 |
| Certificate Fee | 1,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fee | 900 |
| CCTV Fee | 30 |
| Development Charges | 350 |
| Scholarship Fee | 250 |
| Postal Charges | 300 |
Total impact: A significant jump compared to previous years.
Total Examination Fees: Private vs Regular Students
After adding all charges and taxes:
- Private FA/FSc candidates: Rs. 7,730
- Regular FA/FSc students: Rs. 7,570
The difference may look small, but for low-income families, this increase is financially painful.
Revised Admission Fees by Student Category
Punjab boards have also updated admission fees based on subject groups and student status.
| Student Type | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Regular Arts | 1,700 |
| Regular Science | 1,740 |
| Private Arts | 1,800 |
| Private Science | 1,900 |
Science students continue to pay more due to lab and practical exam costs.
Strong Reaction from Private School Associations
Multiple education bodies have publicly rejected the fee hike.
Associations Condemning the Increase
- All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association
- All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association
- All Pakistan Private Schools Association
Key Leaders Speaking Out
- Abrar Ahmed Khan
- Irfan Muzaffar Kiani
- Malik Naseem Ahmed
They argue that:
- Examination halls already have CCTV cameras
- Students should not fund security infrastructure
- The Rs. 900 miscellaneous fee is unjustified
- Certificate and processing fee hikes are excessive
Rs. 15 Billion Revenue Target Raises Questions
Officials estimate Punjab education boards will collect up to Rs. 15 billion through revised fees.
Why This Figure Matters
- Shows the scale of burden on students
- Raises concerns about transparency
- Triggers debate over public education funding
Parents are questioning whether this revenue will actually improve exam quality.
How This Fee Increase Affects Students and Parents
Direct Impact
- Higher financial pressure on middle and low-income families
- Increased dropout risk for private candidates
- Added stress before critical exams
Long-Term Concerns
- Reduced access to education
- Growing inequality between private and public students
- Trust issues with education boards
Is the CCTV Fee Really Necessary?
Many stakeholders question the logic behind the CCTV charge.
Key Concerns
- Most exam centers already have surveillance
- No audit shared on CCTV installation costs
- Students are paying for long-term assets
Education experts suggest government funding should cover security upgrades.
What Students Can Do Now
Students and parents should:
- Check official board notifications carefully
- Apply early to avoid late fees
- Keep fee challans and receipts safe
- Stay updated through board websites
Private candidates should plan finances in advance due to higher total costs.
FAQs About Punjab Boards Examination Fees Increase
Why did Punjab boards increase exam fees in 2026?
Due to financial shortfalls, rising operational costs, and CCTV installation expenses.
How much is the total fee for FA/FSc private students?
Private candidates must pay Rs. 7,730 for annual exams.
Are regular students also affected?
Yes. Regular students now pay Rs. 7,570.
Why is there a CCTV fee when centers already have cameras?
Associations argue it is unnecessary, but boards say it ensures standardized monitoring.
Which organizations opposed the fee hike?
Major private school associations across Pakistan have condemned the increase.
Conclusion
The Punjab Boards examination fees increase 2026 has sparked nationwide debate.
While boards cite financial survival, students feel overburdened.
