The recent Intermediate exam fee increase in Punjab has sparked significant concern among students, parents, and educators. All education boards in the province have raised the CCTV installation fee at exam centers from Rs.30 to Rs.1,030 for the annual Intermediate exams scheduled in May 2026. This sudden increase has caused widespread outrage, with parents arguing that students should not be burdened with the cost of surveillance measures meant to ensure exam integrity.
Previously, during the Matric exams, students only paid Rs.30 per center for CCTV coverage. The jump to Rs.1,030 for Intermediate candidates represents a more than 30-fold increase, leaving many families financially strained. Students and parents alike have voiced their frustration, calling the hike “unjust” and “unnecessary.”
Why the Fee Increase Is Controversial
The primary reason for the fee hike is the installation of CCTV cameras at exam centers to monitor students and prevent malpractice. While security is important, the Intermediate exam fee in Punjab has been criticized for its suddenness and high cost. Parents argue that educational institutions and examination authorities, not students, should cover the expenses for CCTV installation.
Collecting millions of rupees from students to fund surveillance systems is seen as inequitable. Many families have expressed that such financial burdens are unfair, especially for students already facing tuition fees, stationery costs, and other academic expenses.
Experts say that while modernizing exam centers is necessary, authorities could explore alternative funding methods, such as government allocations or school budgets, rather than passing costs directly to students.
Parents’ Response and Calls for Action
Parents across Punjab have organized protests and written petitions demanding that the boards withdraw the new CCTV fee. Their argument is straightforward: exam security is an institutional responsibility. It should not be shifted to students, who are already under pressure to perform academically.
Social media platforms are flooded with parents expressing outrage over the Rs.1,030 charge. Many have shared stories of struggling to afford basic education costs, stating that adding such fees is an unnecessary burden. Education advocates have supported these protests, emphasizing fairness and student welfare.
One parent commented, “Students should focus on their studies, not worry about paying thousands of rupees for exam surveillance. This is the boards’ responsibility.” Such statements have become common in discussions surrounding the fee hike.
How the Fee Hike Could Affect Students
The sudden increase in the Intermediate exam fee in Punjab may impact students in multiple ways. Financially, many families are now forced to stretch their budgets, potentially causing stress and distraction. Students from underprivileged backgrounds may even consider delaying exams or skipping optional subjects due to the added expense.
Psychologically, the fee hike has added pressure on students, as they now feel burdened not only by academics but also by financial constraints. Mental health experts caution that such policies, if not managed carefully, can affect student performance and overall well-being.
Moreover, parents argue that the hike could create inequality. Students from affluent families can manage the cost, while those from lower-income households may face additional stress, undermining the fairness of education access.
Public Criticism and Media Coverage
The decision to increase the Intermediate exam fee in Punjab has drawn widespread criticism from media outlets and educational commentators. Many journalists have questioned the logic behind charging students for CCTV, calling it an “unjustified financial burden.”
Educational analysts suggest that while technology integration in exams is essential, implementing it should not compromise accessibility or equity. They have encouraged boards to consider alternative solutions, such as government funding, corporate sponsorships, or redistributing budgets within schools.
Parents have also urged local authorities to intervene. They emphasize that exam security is important, but students should not shoulder the cost. Public pressure continues to mount as the exam date approaches.
Possible Alternatives to Charging Students
Experts recommend several alternatives to directly charging students for CCTV installation:
- Government Funding: Provincial or central government can allocate funds for exam security.
- School Budgets: Schools may redistribute existing funds to cover surveillance costs.
- Private Sponsorships: Partnerships with companies or local organizations could fund CCTV systems.
- Phased Implementation: Gradually upgrading exam centers without imposing sudden high fees.
These alternatives ensure that students are not financially burdened while maintaining exam integrity. By exploring such options, authorities can prevent backlash and maintain trust with parents and students.
Conclusion
The Intermediate exam fee hike in Punjab highlights the growing tension between education boards and families. While CCTV installation is important to prevent malpractice and ensure transparency, parents argue that students should not bear the financial cost.
The protests, petitions, and social media campaigns reflect public frustration over the sudden fee hike. If authorities respond positively, they may reconsider the fee structure or provide alternative funding mechanisms, ensuring both exam security and fairness for students.
Ultimately, this situation underscores the need for balanced education policies that prioritize student welfare while maintaining accountability in exam procedures.
