Karnataka Government to Refund NTSE Fees for 2021-22 Following Student Uproar

Karnataka Government to Refund NTSE 2021-22 Fees for 3.23 Lakh Students

The Karnataka government has decided to refund fees collected from 3.23 lakh students who registered for the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) in the 2021-22 academic year. This decision comes after widespread criticism from students, parents, and educational institutions. The NTSE, a prestigious scholarship exam, is conducted annually by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) along with state education departments. The exam, initially scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains on hold.

The Background of NTSE and the 2021-22 Fee Collection

The NTSE is designed for Class 10 students and has two parts. Students who qualify receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,250 until pre-university and ₹2,000 during undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Scholars also get financial assistance for PhD studies according to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.

For years, the NTSE has been a key milestone for students aiming for academic excellence. In the 2021-22 session, the exam was set for December 15, 2021. Over 3.23 lakh students from government and private schools across Karnataka registered, paying a total fee of ₹2.66 crore. However, the NCERT postponed the exam indefinitely due to the pandemic, leaving many students uncertain.

Student Voices and the Call for Accountability

Students like Rajesh S., who applied for the NTSE in 2021 while in Class 10 and now pursues undergraduate studies, feel frustrated by the delay. “I applied for NTSE in 2021 when I was in Class 10, and now I am doing an undergraduate course. The exam has not been conducted till now. It is sad that the NCERT has not conducted the exam even three years after COVID-19. The exam fee—₹82—may be small, but we expect accountability from both the NCERT and the DSEL,” Rajesh shared. His sentiments echo those of many students across the state.

The Karnataka Registered Unaided Private Schools’ Association (KRUPA) also demanded a refund, stressing the need for transparency and accountability from the authorities.

Government’s Response and the Refund Process

In response to the growing discontent, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) clarified that the fees collected remain unused. B.B. Cauvery, Commissioner of Public Instruction, assured the public that the funds are securely stored in the Karnataka School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Council’s account. The government has developed software to facilitate the refund. Once approved by the State government, schools will receive the funds for distribution to students.

This decision marks a victory for students and parents who have waited nearly three years for resolution. It also emphasizes the importance of accountability in educational institutions and clear communication during uncertain times.

As the refund process begins, the hope is that this move will restore trust and bring closure to the thousands of students affected by the NTSE postponement.