UP Board Fee Hike 2025: Massive Increase in Fees for Classes 9 to 12, Up to 200% Hike Implemented
UP Board Fee Hike – In a major development for lakhs of students studying under the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) and their parents, the state government has approved a significant hike in school fees for classes 9 to 12 in government and government-aided secondary schools. The new fee structure has been implemented with immediate effect following approval from the Governor, raising concerns over increased financial burden on common households.
UP Board Exam Fee Hike: Up to 200% Increase for Students of Classes 9 to 12
As per official reports, the exam fee for high school (Class 10) has been raised from ₹80 to ₹500, while for intermediate (Class 12), it has increased from ₹90 to ₹600. This marks an unprecedented hike of around 180% to 200%. Similarly, fees for students in classes 9 and 11 have also been increased in the same proportion.
The government claims that the decision has been taken to improve the quality of education and to provide better facilities in schools. A senior official from the education department said, “There has been a consistent rise in examination costs, evaluation, and administrative expenses. The previous fee structure was insufficient to cover these growing costs.”
Widespread Discontent Among Students and Parents
This sudden and sharp increase in fees has sparked dissatisfaction among students and their parents. Rita Devi, a parent from a rural background, said, “We have limited income and are already struggling to manage our children's education. Now, with this steep fee hike, we are extremely worried.” Several students have echoed similar concerns, stating that the hike could adversely affect the education of poor and lower-income students.
Opposition parties have also criticized the move, calling it anti-student. A leader from the Samajwadi Party remarked, “The government claims to promote education for the poor, but this massive hike pushes education further out of reach for the common people.”
Government's Justification and Public Concerns
While the government defends the move as a step towards educational reform, it has sparked debates over whether such a hike will genuinely translate into better facilities or merely act as an additional financial burden on families. The unexpected fee hike by UP Board has become a serious issue in the state.
On one hand, the government touts it as a step toward quality education, while on the other, the public sees it as a blow to their already strained budgets. It remains to be seen how the government will manage the consequences of this decision and whether it will indeed lead to meaningful improvements in the education system.