Parents Protest Inter Exam Fee Increase 2026. Parents across Punjab are protesting the Inter exam fee increase 2026 after education boards raised CCTV charges from Rs.30 to Rs.1,030. The sudden jump has sparked serious concern among students preparing for Intermediate annual exams in May 2026. Families are questioning why candidates must pay for surveillance systems at examination centers.
This issue has now become a province-wide debate involving students, parents, education boards, and policymakers.
Why Are Parents Protesting the Inter Exam Fee Increase 2026?
The main reason behind the protest is the sharp rise in CCTV installation charges for Intermediate exams. Earlier, during the Matric annual exams, students were charged only Rs.30 per candidate. Now, for Inter students, the same charge has increased to Rs.1,030.
Parents argue that:
- The increase is sudden and excessive
- Students should not bear infrastructure costs
- Educational boards already receive government funding
- The added amount creates financial pressure on middle-class families
In simple words, families feel the burden has unfairly shifted to students.
What Exactly Changed in the Examination Fee Structure?
All education boards in Punjab added the new CCTV cost to the Inter exam entry fee. This means students registering for Intermediate annual exams 2026 automatically pay the extra Rs.1,000 without a separate option.
Comparison of CCTV Charges
| Exam Type | Previous CCTV Fee | New CCTV Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matric Exams | Rs.30 | Rs.30 | No major change |
| Intermediate Exams | Rs.30 | Rs.1,030 | + Rs.1,000 |
The difference is clear. The increase is more than 30 times the previous amount. This sharp rise is the main reason behind the province-wide protest.
Role of Punjab Education Boards
Punjab has several Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE). These boards manage examination centers, conduct exams, and announce results. The new CCTV monitoring policy applies to all Intermediate candidates appearing in May 2026.
Key boards include:
- Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore
- Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi
- Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Multan
- Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Faisalabad
All boards have implemented the revised fee structure.
Why Were CCTV Cameras Introduced in Exam Centers?
Authorities say CCTV cameras improve transparency in board exams. The main goals include:
- Prevent cheating
- Ensure fair examination process
- Monitor staff and students
- Reduce paper leaks
- Strengthen exam security
From a policy point of view, surveillance systems help maintain discipline. But the main concern is not about cameras. It is about who pays for them.
Parents’ Main Argument: Who Should Pay?
Parents believe that examination authorities and educational institutions should bear infrastructure costs.
Their arguments include:
- CCTV cameras are a long-term investment.
- Students attend exams only once.
- The government already allocates education budgets.
- Collecting millions from students is unfair.
Many families in Punjab have more than one child. If two siblings appear in board exams, the financial impact doubles. For lower-income households, even Rs.1,000 matters.
Financial Pressure on Middle-Class Families
Pakistan is already facing rising inflation. School fees, tuition costs, transportation, and study materials are increasing every year. Adding Rs.1,000 per student may look small at policy level. But at household level, it adds stress.
Imagine a family with:
- Two Inter students
- One Matric student
- Private academy fees
- Monthly transport charges
The additional board exam charges increase overall education expenses significantly. This is why the Inter exam fee increase 2026 is not just about CCTV cameras. It is about affordability.
Impact on Students Preparing for Intermediate Exams 2026
The Intermediate annual exams are crucial. They determine university admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Students already deal with:
- Academic pressure
- Competition for merit seats
- Entry test preparation
- College admission stress
When financial issues enter the picture, it affects mental focus. Education experts warn that sudden fee hikes during exam season create unnecessary anxiety.
Government Perspective: Security and Transparency
Authorities justify the CCTV monitoring system by saying:
- Cheating cases have increased in some regions
- Strong surveillance ensures merit
- Public trust in examination boards improves
From governance angle, exam transparency is important. But transparency must balance with affordability.
Estimated Revenue Collected from Students
Let’s understand the scale.
If one board has 100,000 Inter candidates and each pays Rs.1,000 extra:
100,000 × Rs.1,000 = Rs.100,000,000
That is Rs.100 million from just one board.
Punjab has multiple boards. The total amount could reach hundreds of millions.
This calculation is one reason parents call the move unjustified.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Some parents are demanding:
- Immediate withdrawal of the revised fee
- Transparent explanation of cost breakdown
- Public disclosure of CCTV installation contracts
They argue that infrastructure development is the responsibility of the state. Ethically, education should remain accessible and affordable.
Possible Solutions to the Inter Exam Fee Issue
Instead of charging students directly, authorities can consider:
1. Government Budget Allocation
Use provincial education funds for surveillance systems.
2. One-Time Infrastructure Grant
Install cameras permanently at exam centers without yearly student charges.
3. Public-Private Partnership
Collaborate with tech companies for cost-effective monitoring.
4. Install Cameras in Selected High-Risk Centers
Avoid province-wide blanket charges.
Balanced policy can reduce public backlash.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The issue is trending on local platforms. Parents and students are expressing frustration online. Common concerns include:
- Lack of consultation
- No prior notice
- Financial hardship
- Unequal burden
Digital activism is playing a role in spreading awareness about the Inter exam fee increase 2026.
Broader Context: Education System Reforms in Punjab
Punjab’s education system has been undergoing reforms for years.
Key focus areas include:
- Digitalization
- Biometric attendance
- Online result systems
- Examination reforms
CCTV monitoring is part of modernization efforts. However, reform without financial planning can create resistance.
Key Facts About the Inter Exam Fee Increase 2026
- CCTV charge increased from Rs.30 to Rs.1,030
- Applies to Intermediate annual exams May 2026
- Added directly to exam entry fee
- Parents demanding withdrawal
- Boards defend move for transparency
These facts summarize the current situation clearly.
FAQs About Parents Protest Inter Exam Fee Increase 2026
Why did parents protest the Inter exam fee increase 2026?
Parents protested because CCTV charges increased from Rs.30 to Rs.1,030, which they consider excessive and unfair.
Is the CCTV fee mandatory for all Intermediate students?
Yes. The amount is automatically added to the exam entry fee for May 2026 exams.
Why were CCTV cameras introduced in exam centers?
Authorities say cameras ensure transparency, prevent cheating, and improve examination security.
Can the fee increase be reversed?
Parents are demanding reconsideration. Final decision depends on provincial authorities and education boards.
Does this fee apply to Matric students?
The major increase applies to Intermediate students. Matric charges previously remained minimal.
Conclusion
The Inter exam fee increase 2026 has triggered strong protests from parents across Punjab. While authorities defend CCTV monitoring as a step toward transparency, families argue that infrastructure costs should not fall on students.
