TSCHE’s ₹500 Fee to Challenge Answer Keys: A Burden on Telangana Students : The Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) has ignited a firestorm of criticism with its decision to impose a ₹500 fee per question for students challenging answer keys in state-level entrance exams like EAMCET, ICET, PGECET, and EdCET. This unprecedented move, announced ahead of the 2025 academic year, has left students and educational advocates alarmed over its financial implications and fairness.
What’s the New Rule?
Starting this academic year, students wishing to dispute answers in preliminary answer keys must pay ₹500 for each question challenged. For example:
- Challenging 10 questions = ₹5,000
- Challenging 100 questions = ₹50,000
- Challenging 150 questions (out of 200) = ₹75,000
The fee is refundable only if the objection is validated by exam authorities. If not, students forfeit the amount.
Telangana vs National Exams: A Stark Contrast
While national exams like JEE and NEET charge ₹200 per challenged question, TSCHE’s ₹500 fee is 2.5 times higher, raising concerns about equity. Critics argue this creates an unfair financial barrier for Telangana students, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Financial Burden on Students
The policy could lead to exorbitant costs for students:
- A student disputing 20% of a 200-question paper faces a ₹20,000 fee.
- Families already struggling with exam preparation costs may find this unsustainable.
Previously, no fees were charged for objections, making this a sharp departure from past practices.
Why Are Students Protesting?
Student unions and educational activists statewide have condemned the move, calling it “exploitative” and “anti-student.” Key grievances include:
- Financial Exclusion: High fees may deter legitimate challenges, silencing students who spot errors.
- Unfair Refund Policy: Retaining fees for invalid objections penalizes students for exercising their right to scrutiny.
- Lack of Transparency: Critics demand clarity on how objections will be evaluated to ensure accountability.
Protests are intensifying, with unions urging TSCHE to immediately withdraw the policy.
Impact on Upcoming Entrance Exams
With exam dates already announced for EAMCET, ICET, PGECET, and EdCET, the rule threatens to disrupt preparation. Students fear the financial stress could overshadow their academic focus, especially in competitive exams where even one disputed question can alter ranks.
The Way Forward
As backlash grows, stakeholders urge TSCHE to:
- Revise the fee to match national standards (₹200/question).
- Ensure 100% refunds for valid objections.
- Provide clear guidelines for answer key challenges.
Until then, students remain caught between academic aspirations and financial strain.
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Conclusion
The TSCHE’s new policy of charging ₹500 per question for challenging entrance exam answer keys has sparked widespread concern and opposition. While the council aims to streamline the process, it risks alienating students by imposing hefty fees. With protests and demands for policy changes on the rise, it remains to be seen whether TSCHE will revise or withdraw this controversial decision.
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