Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 7: The Karnataka government has come under criticism after ordering a 5% hike in SSLC (Class 10) examination fees for the academic year 2025–26, amid ongoing concerns over rising education expenses in the state.

In a recent directive, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) announced that the increased fees will apply to all SSLC examinations scheduled for 2025–26, including those for regular, repeater, and private candidates.

According to the order, the new fee structure is as follows:

For one subject: Rs 448 (up from Rs 427)

For two subjects: Rs 559 (up from Rs 532)

For three or more subjects: Rs 752 (up from Rs 716)

The board stated that the 5% hike is based on current rates and will be uniformly applied to all categories.

“A 5% increase will be levied on the existing rates for all SSLC examinations conducted in 2025–26,” the order stated.

While officials attribute the hike to increasing administrative and operational costs, the decision has drawn criticism from parents and education rights groups, who argue that it places an added burden on students from economically weaker sections.

As of now, there is no clarification on whether fee exemptions or concessions will be provided for underprivileged students.