New Delhi, India — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) collected more than ₹20 crore (approximately $2.4 million) from students seeking re-evaluation and re-verification of Class 10 and Class 12 board examination answer sheets during the 2024-25 academic session, according to information revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) application.
The RTI response disclosed that CBSE earned around ₹20.09 crore through re-evaluation and re-verification fees charged to students and parents who requested a review of their board exam results. In addition, the board collected another ₹3.09 crore by providing photocopies of evaluated answer sheets to applicants.
The figures have sparked fresh debate over the cost burden placed on students and families after board examination results are declared each year. Thousands of students across India apply for re-checking processes annually, often hoping for correction of totaling mistakes, verification errors, or possible changes in marks after re-evaluation.
Under the existing system, students first apply for photocopies of their answer sheets before requesting verification or re-evaluation of specific answers. Critics argue that the multi-step process results in significant expenses for students already facing academic pressure.
Education activists and parent groups have questioned whether such high collections from re-evaluation services are justified for a public education board. Some experts believe the growing number of applications also highlights concerns among students regarding transparency and accuracy in the evaluation process.
Meanwhile, CBSE has announced a reduction in the re-evaluation fee for Class 12 board examination answer sheets, a move that is expected to provide some relief to students in future examination cycles. However, the board has not yet publicly detailed the financial impact of the revised fee structure.
CBSE conducts one of the largest school examination systems in the world, with millions of students appearing for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams every year across India and abroad. The board’s examination and evaluation processes often remain under public scrutiny due to the high academic stakes associated with board results.
The RTI revelation has once again brought attention to the broader discussion around examination reforms, affordability, and transparency in India’s education system.
