In a major shake-up to the educational landscape of Uttar Pradesh, the state government has announced a substantial increase in school fees for classes 9 to 12. This decision, which affects both government and government-aided schools, is set to impact millions of students and their families starting from the upcoming academic session 2025–26.
According to the latest directive issued by the Department of Education, the school fee has been hiked by 180% to 200%, making secondary education significantly more expensive than before. The order was implemented after receiving approval from the state governor, and an official notification has now been released.
This reform is part of a broader effort to overhaul the state’s secondary education system, including changes in the scrutiny process, evaluation methods, and overall administrative transparency.
The revised fee structure applies to students in classes 9 through 12 enrolled in both government-run and aided institutions. This marks the steepest fee hike the Uttar Pradesh Board has witnessed in recent years.
While the government defends the decision as a step toward making the education system more self-reliant and resource-equipped, it also means that parents will have to bear a significantly higher financial burden for their children's schooling.
This move is likely to spark debate over the accessibility of quality education for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Alongside the fee revision, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP)—commonly known as the UP Board—has implemented a more transparent and monitored scrutiny process for board exam copies.
From now on, the evaluation of High School (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) answer sheets will take place under CCTV surveillance. This decision aims to eliminate irregularities and ensure fair assessment practices.
Key regional centers including Prayagraj, Meerut, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Bareilly have been designated as scrutiny hubs. Subject experts will carry out the evaluations at these centers to maintain the integrity of the process.
UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh confirmed that revised results for scrutiny applications will be declared by June 10, 2025.
The UP Board announced the Class 10 and 12 results on April 25, 2025. Students dissatisfied with their marks have been given the opportunity to apply for scrutiny online.
The last date to apply is May 19, 2025. Applications can be submitted through the official UP Board website. This step further strengthens the board’s push toward digitization and accessible student services.
The government has stated that the fee hike and revised evaluation policies are designed to create a more autonomous, accountable, and modern educational framework. Officials argue that increased fees will help improve infrastructure, teaching quality, and administrative efficiency across public schools.
However, the move is already drawing mixed reactions. While education reform advocates have welcomed the push for better oversight and infrastructure, many parents and students are concerned about affordability, especially for those from rural or low-income families.
There are also concerns that this sudden rise in fees could lead to increased dropout rates or push more students toward under-resourced private institutions or informal education.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s latest education reforms bring both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the focus on transparency and modernization is a step forward. On the other, the sharp fee hike raises questions about inclusivity and equal access to education.
As the new academic session approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes are implemented—and how families across the state adapt to the new structure.
