Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has issued an order directing private schools affiliated with the Recognised Affiliated Schools Association (RASA) to serve as examination centres for the upcoming School of Eminence common entrance test scheduled for March 1.
The move has sparked strong opposition from private school authorities, who claim that the decision was taken without their consent. School principals and controllers were reportedly informed about the establishment of exam centres only three days before the examination date, creating logistical and administrative challenges.
According to RASA state general secretary Sujit Sharma and several school heads, PSEB has imposed an “arbitrary decision” that places an additional burden on private institutions. Schools are currently conducting Class 12 and Class 8 board examinations, while preparations are underway for Class 10 exams.
Private school authorities argue that Sunday is an official holiday for staff, and calling them for exam duty would require additional salary payments. However, PSEB has not issued any financial assistance guidelines, forcing schools to bear the extra expenditure from their own funds.
In Amritsar district alone, 22 major private schools affiliated with RASA have been selected as centres for the School of Eminence entrance examination. Approximately 8,000 students are expected to appear for the exam across these private institutions.
School heads have urged PSEB to reconsider the decision immediately and initiate direct consultations with all principals before proceeding further. They warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they may be compelled to launch protests in the coming days.
Private school representatives further stated that they receive no government financial support for conducting such examinations, nor are they assisted during emergencies. Establishing exam centres without prior approval, they argued, disrupts routine academic activities and increases responsibilities related to security and management.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between private educational institutions and PSEB over administrative decisions concerning the School of Eminence admission process.
