Bengaluru: The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has announced a revision in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination fees for the 2025–26 academic year. This revision comes following a government directive that permits a 5% annual increase in examination fees, aimed at addressing rising administrative and operational costs.
Revised Fee Structure
The updated fee structure affects students across various categories:
- Regular School Students & First-Time Private Candidates: The examination fee has been increased from ₹676 to ₹710.
- New Private Candidates: Registration and application fees have been raised from ₹236 to ₹248.
- Renewing Private Candidates: Renewal fees have increased from ₹69 to ₹72.
- Repeat Candidates: Fees are now subject-specific:
- ₹471 for one subject
- ₹559 for two subjects
- ₹752 for three or more subjects
Rationale Behind the Fee Hike
KSEAB officials stated that the increase is necessary to offset the rising costs associated with printing exam papers, hiring personnel, conducting evaluations, and implementing secure digital systems for exam management. The fee revision ensures that the quality and efficiency of examinations are maintained without compromising on student services.
Officials also noted that the revised fees are in line with annual inflation and operational cost adjustments and represent a modest increase that is expected to be manageable for most students.
Guidance for Students and Schools
The board has advised both schools and private candidates to complete their registrations and fee payments promptly to avoid delays in examination processing. Late registrations may result in penalties or exclusion from the examination. Schools are also expected to communicate the fee structure clearly to parents and guardians to ensure transparency.
Implications for Students
While the fee increase is relatively moderate, it comes at a time when students are already preparing for high-stakes exams that determine their academic progression. Education experts suggest that students and parents should plan ahead for these costs, particularly for repeat candidates who may need to pay fees for multiple subjects.
The KSEAB also encourages students to utilize official portals and school offices for any clarification regarding fees, registrations, and exam schedules to avoid misinformation or discrepancies.
Conclusion
The fee revision reflects a balance between maintaining the quality of examinations and adjusting for inflationary pressures. The KSEAB emphasizes that timely registration and fee payment are crucial for smooth conduct of SSLC exams, which remain a pivotal milestone for students in Karnataka.