Sindh Government Bans Private Schools from Collecting Advance Fees

KARACHI: The Sindh Education Department, under the guidance of Additional Director Rafia Javed, has issued a directive to private schools, instructing them not to collect any advance or additional payments beyond the agreed-upon deadline.

New Fee Collection Guidelines Issued

According to officials, the Directorate of Inspection and Private Institutions released a circular outlining new fee collection guidelines, following the instructions of Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. The academic year 2025–26 will begin on April 1, 2025, with matriculation exams set to begin on March 15, 2025, as per the decision of the Steering Committee.

Tuition for matriculation students is only to be collected by schools until April 2025 in an effort to alleviate financial strains on both students and their families. Fees for June 2025 and July 2025, respectively, can be collected from pupils moving from pre-primary to Class IX and Class X, respectively, in April and May of 2025.

Voucher Guidelines for Fee Collection

Each month’s fee voucher must be sent separately, as stated in the circular. July vouchers are valid until July 31, 2025, and June vouchers are valid until June 30, 2025.

The notification emphasized: “All principals and administrators of privately managed schools in Sindh must strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure transparency and financial relief for parents.” Strict action will be taken against anyone who does not comply. The orders are decisive, and all private schools in the province must follow them.