Maharashtra State Board increases supplementary exam fees, education sector expresses strong opposition

Maharashtra State Board has increased supplementary exam fees for Class 10 and 12, drawing strong criticism from education groups and student organisations, who argue that rising costs burden students despite reduced administrative expenses due to digitalisation

Pune | 07 May 2026: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has decided to increase the fees for supplementary examinations of Class 10 and 12 conducted in June-July, triggering criticism from the education sector. The revised fee structure has been officially notified by Board Secretary Dr. Deepak Mali, with stakeholders questioning the timing and necessity of the hike.

According to the board, fees for various categories including regular students, private candidates, re-examination applicants, and grade improvement candidates have been revised upward. The increase comes after a previous revision in 2022, resulting in an overall rise of around 30 percent over the past three years. Critics argue that repeated hikes place an additional burden on students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.

Under the revised structure, examination fees for Class 10 are set at ₹570, while administrative charges, mark sheet, and certificate fees are ₹20 each. Practical examination fees vary depending on subjects, with technical subjects attracting higher charges. Private candidate registration fees are fixed at ₹1,110, along with additional processing fees. Similar revisions have been made for Class 12 examinations, including practical and information technology subject fees.

The board has also introduced a decision to combine certificates and mark sheets, though concerns have been raised about continued separate charges for services that are increasingly digitised. Education stakeholders have questioned the justification for the fee revision, especially in light of reduced operational costs due to online processes. Education institution representatives have strongly opposed the move. Jagriti Dharmadhikari, Vice President of an education federation, stated that despite reduced expenses due to digitalisation, fees continue to rise, creating financial pressure on students. She also pointed out that private candidate fees earlier included study materials, which are no longer provided, raising further concerns about value for money.

Youth political representatives have also criticised the decision. Kalpesh Yadav, Co-Secretary of a youth organisation, argued that affordable education is a state responsibility and not a revenue-generating function. He warned that if the fee hike is not withdrawn, protests will be organised. The controversy has reignited the debate over education affordability in Maharashtra, with stakeholders urging the board to reconsider the decision in the interest of students, especially in economically stressed regions of the state.

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