Maharashtra Students Face Double Fees for Sports Quota Bonus Marks Applications
Pune, 10th April 2025: Students of Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) across Maharashtra applying for bonus marks under the sports quota are facing a dual financial burden, as both the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal and the Maharashtra State Board are charging separate fees for the same application process. This has sparked criticism from educators, parents, and institutions over what they call an unnecessary and unfair system.
Students who excel in sports at the district, divisional, state, and national levels are eligible for bonus marks in board examinations. Earlier, the application process was free and conducted offline through district sports officers. However, the State Government has now made the process entirely online.
Under the new system, applicants must first register on the Aaple Sarkar portal and upload verified documents. This portal charges ₹23.60 per application. Separately, the State Board collects a ₹25 scrutiny fee. Together, this means each student must pay nearly ₹50 to avail of marks meant to reward sporting excellence.
Educators argue that the move not only complicates the process but also imposes an unjustified financial burden. “The intention behind awarding bonus marks is to encourage students in sports. Charging multiple fees goes against this very purpose,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former principal and education expert.
Despite growing concerns, the State Board has defended its fee structure. Sharad Gosavi, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, clarified that the ₹25 scrutiny fee has remained unchanged for the past two years. “This year, the Sports Department has shifted the application process to the Aaple Sarkar portal, which operates independently and charges its own fee,” he said.
Stakeholders are now urging the state government to streamline the application process, eliminate redundant charges, and bring back a more student-friendly system to ensure that deserving candidates are not discouraged from claiming their rightful recognition.
