Intermediate Exam fee increased across Pakistan: Check latest fee update here

ISLAMABAD: Amid mounting financial pressure, all 14 education boards in Pakistan, including the Rawalpindi division, have announced an increase in examination fees for Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) students.

The hike in fees will come into effect for the 2025 intermediate exams, creating fresh concerns for families already struggling with education costs.

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. Breakdown includes a fee of Rs. 1,400 for Arts students and Rs. 1,500 for science students in regular category. Private candidates will pay Rs. 1,500 for arts and Rs. 1,600 for Science.

Each student will also have to pay Rs. 1,000 registration fee, Rs. 1,000 certificate fee, and Rs. 1,000 processing fee. Additional Rs. 700 will cover promotion, scholarship, and postal charges. Students transferring from other boards will incur an additional cost of Rs. 1,000 for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Fee submission deadlines are as follows: November 27 for single fee, December 11 for double fee, and December 24 for triple fee. Late deposit option is available with Rs. 200 fine per day till February 11, which increases to Rs. 700 fine per day till February 21, 2025.

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