The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has revised examination and registration fees for Madhyamik and Higher Secondary levels, citing rising operational costs. The updated structure, effective Friday, includes new rates for examination, registration, and review categories.
The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has officially announced a revision in the examination and registration fees for both Madhyamik (Class 10) and Higher Secondary (Class 12) levels. The new fee structure, which took effect on Friday, aims to balance rising operational expenses while ensuring the smooth conduct of upcoming examinations.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Thursday, TBSE President Dr. Dhananjay Gan Chowdhury said the revision covers six major categories — application, registration, practical, centre, review, and examination fees. He explained that the decision was taken after a careful review of increasing administrative and material costs associated with conducting examinations across the state.
Revised Fee Structure
At the Madhyamik level, the examination fee for five subjects has been increased from ₹130 to ₹300, while the vocational fee remains unchanged at ₹75, bringing the total to ₹375. Similarly, at the Higher Secondary level, the examination fee has been raised from ₹160 to ₹400, with an additional ₹75 for each practical subject. The registration fee for both levels has also been revised upward — from ₹110 to ₹210.
TBSE Secretary Dulal Dey clarified that even after the revision, the board’s fees are still lower than those charged by many other state boards in the country. He added that the review fee has been set at ₹200 and the self-review fee at ₹500, reflecting adjustments made to meet administrative expenses and maintain service quality.
Schedule for Upcoming Examinations
Dr. Chowdhury also announced that the 2026 Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations are scheduled to commence in the last week of February 2026. Practical examinations will be conducted between November 15 and December 5, 2025, while the distribution of examination forms will begin on January 6, 2026.
He said that TBSE is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process and that all necessary preparations will be completed well in advance to avoid disruptions.
Reaction from Education Observers and Student Bodies
The announcement, however, has sparked mixed reactions among education observers, school administrators, and student bodies. While some welcomed the decision as a necessary step to sustain examination quality and administrative efficiency, others voiced concerns over the sharp increase in fees, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Several student organizations urged the board to introduce special concessions or waivers for underprivileged students, arguing that the hike might discourage some families from allowing their children to continue their education. “While we understand the rising costs, education must remain affordable and inclusive,” said a representative from a student union.
Balancing Costs and Accessibility
This revision marks the first major fee restructuring by TBSE in recent years. Officials said the board has long maintained minimal fees despite inflation and rising logistical costs, but continuing with the previous structure had become financially challenging.
Dr. Chowdhury emphasized that the new rates were introduced after evaluating multiple financial and operational factors, including printing, transportation, examination centre maintenance, and digital evaluation costs. “Our goal is not to burden students but to sustain examination integrity and modernize evaluation processes,” he said.
The revised fee structure also reflects TBSE’s effort to modernize its examination system, with gradual adoption of digital processes and improved monitoring mechanisms. Officials said such updates require substantial investment in infrastructure and manpower, making the revision inevitable.
Looking Ahead
As TBSE moves forward with the new structure, it remains to be seen how effectively the board balances financial sustainability with equitable access to education. Educationists have urged the state government and the board to explore scholarships or subsidy schemes to cushion the impact on financially constrained students.
| Also Read: Tripura TMC Office attack: Party seeks Governor’s |
For now, the revised fee schedule stands as a reflection of TBSE’s attempt to align with contemporary educational standards while navigating the economic realities of today’s educational landscape.
