Private Schools Ordered to Refund Illegal Fees to Matric Students in Sindh

The Sindh School Education Department has directed private schools across the province to refund illegally collected fees from matric students after receiving numerous complaints from parents regarding unauthorised charges during examination months.

The decision applies to all private educational institutions operating in Karachi and other districts of Sindh.

Complaints Over Excessive Fee Collection

According to the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh (DIRPIS), several schools charged Class 10 students tuition fees for the months of April to July 2026 despite students appearing in board examinations during that period.

Authorities declared the practice unlawful and ordered immediate refunds for affected students and parents. Parents had raised concerns that schools were demanding full quarterly payments even after regular classes had ended for matric students.

Many families described the additional charges as an unnecessary financial burden amid rising inflation and educational expenses in Pakistan. Practical Examination Charges Declared Unjustified

Officials stated that some schools attempted to justify the extra charges by citing practical examination expenses. However, the education department clarified that practical examination costs are already included in regular tuition fees and cannot be charged separately.

The department also rejected claims made by certain institutions that fees could continue until July because the academic session began in August 2025. Authorities maintained that such collections violate approved education policies and steering committee decisions regulating private school fee structures.

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Strict Action Warned Against Violating Schools

Education officials warned that schools failing to comply with the refund orders could face strict legal action, including fines, suspension of registration, or cancellation of licences. 

Inspection committees have also been directed to monitor schools and submit reports against institutions violating government directives.

The move is part of broader efforts by provincial authorities to regulate private educational institutions and protect parents from unlawful fee practices.

Earlier Restrictions on Advance Fee Collection

Earlier this month, authorities also imposed restrictions on private schools from collecting more than one month’s fee in advance. Schools were additionally warned against charging fees beyond the official 12-month academic session.

The latest order reflects increasing government scrutiny of private educational institutions and signals stricter enforcement of education regulations in Sindh.

Parents Welcome the Decision

Parents and education rights activists have welcomed the move, calling it an important step toward protecting families from excessive financial pressure. 

Many parents have long complained about unauthorised fee increases, hidden charges, and advance payment demands imposed by private schools across Pakistan.

The refund directive is expected to provide relief to thousands of families affected by illegal fee collection practices while encouraging greater accountability within the private education sector.