The Telangana government has recently announced a fee hike for the Telangana State Intermediate 2025 board exams, specifically affecting students enrolled in vocational courses.
This revision by the Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) aims to adjust the fee structure, with regular vocational course students now paying ₹250 for both first-year and second-year exams, marking a significant increase from the previous ₹150 fee. For private candidates, the revised exam fee has risen to ₹500 per year, up from the earlier payment of ₹300.
The updated fee structure also introduces a revised schedule for late fees, which vary depending on the extent of the delay in payment. For students who miss the initial payment deadline, the additional late fees range from ₹150 to as high as ₹500. However, the exact deadlines and detailed timelines for fee submission, including the application of late payments, have yet to be officially announced by TSBIE. This information is expected to be released alongside the board’s announcement of the official exam schedule in the coming weeks.
The examination fees for general courses, including the arts, science, and commerce, have been left unchanged. This decision keeps the financial burden on general course students steady, while vocational course students face increased expenses. The disparity in fee adjustments has raised questions among vocational course students and their families, many of whom call for reconsidering the fee hike, arguing that vocational courses typically attract students from economically diverse backgrounds who may find it challenging to meet the increased fees.
The fee hike has also drawn mixed reactions from educational and student bodies in Telangana. While some administrators view the increase as necessary to support the maintenance of examination infrastructure and logistics, student unions and advocacy groups are concerned that the higher fees could disproportionately impact students from lower-income families. Many call on the Telangana government to consider alternative funding mechanisms or introduce subsidies for those in need, especially as vocational training is widely regarded as a pathway to employment for students from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
According to Indian Express reports, TSBIE officials have stated that the increased fees will improve the examination processes, ensure timely results, and enhance resources for vocational training. Yet, as the debate continues, students and families await further details from the board regarding the timeline for payment and exam schedules.
