Agartala : The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has announced a major hike in examination fees for both Madhyamik (Class 10) and Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations, triggering widespread debate among students and parents across the state. This marks the first revision in the fee structure since 2013, nearly 12 years after the last adjustment.
According to the latest TBSE notification (No. F.2(246)-SECY/MISC/TBSE/2020/1685, dated October 8, 2025), the registration fee has been raised from ₹150 to ₹200, the Madhyamik examination fee from ₹120 to ₹300, and the Higher Secondary examination fee from ₹150 to ₹400. Additionally, the centre fee, practical examination fee, and self-inspection fee for answer scripts have also been increased.
The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among students and guardians, with many terming the hike “excessive” and “burdensome,” especially for those belonging to lower- and middle-income families. Concerns are particularly acute in rural areas where many students come from economically constrained households.
In response, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Tripura Pradesh, on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the President of the TBSE, demanding reconsideration of the decision. The organization emphasized that education is a fundamental right and that examination costs must remain affordable so that no student is deprived of academic opportunities for financial reasons.
ABVP State Secretary Gourab Das stated, “The Board’s decision should not exceed the financial capacity of students. We urge TBSE to reconsider this move in light of students’ welfare. Ensuring accessible and affordable education for all is ABVP’s primary objective.”
The ABVP further argued that citing inflation or administrative expenses cannot justify passing the financial burden onto students. Instead, it urged the government and the Board to find alternative means of meeting operational costs without compromising educational access.
Several educators have also voiced concern that such a steep hike might discourage students—particularly from government schools—from appearing for board examinations.
ABVP has cautioned that if the decision is not reviewed or withdrawn soon, it will be forced to initiate a broader student movement across Tripura. The organization reiterated that education should remain a right, not a privilege, and called upon TBSE to reconsider the fee hike immediately in view of students’ financial realities.