LAHORE: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore has unveiled sweeping changes to its examination framework, announcing the introduction of centralised marking for practical exams and a modern e-marking system for written papers.
The reforms come after the board received a large number of complaints highlighting irregularities and poor management in practical examinations. Addressing Geo News, BISE Secretary Rizwan Nazir said the previous system had significant loopholes.
“In the past, examiners had full authority over the entire 30-mark practical component, which opened the door to misuse,” he stated, adding that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
Under the new policy, practical exams for 9th-grade students will now undergo centralised marking to ensure transparency and uniformity. Additionally, CCTV cameras will be installed in laboratory examination centres to maintain strict oversight during assessments.
Nazir further explained that practical examinations will now carry compulsory weight in student evaluations, strengthening accountability in the system.
The overhaul was initiated on the instructions of Rana Sikandar Hayat, the Education Minister, with the aim of restoring credibility and fairness in the examination process.
In another significant development, the board has rolled out an electronic marking system for theory papers. Students will attempt their exams on specially designed e-sheets, which will then be scanned and converted into digital formats for evaluation.
Examiners will be issued secure identification credentials enabling them to assess papers remotely. Their marking activity will be monitored live through webcams to ensure compliance and prevent malpractice.
Nazir also revealed that instead of assigning an examiner hundreds of complete scripts, the new system will divide answer sheets into smaller question-based segments. This step is expected to enhance precision, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.
The upgraded marking mechanism will first be implemented in the ICS first annual examinations across Punjab this year. Authorities plan to gradually extend the e-marking system to all subjects within the next two to three years.
Education analysts view the reforms as one of the most significant administrative shifts in Punjab’s examination system in recent years, aimed at strengthening transparency and rebuilding public trust.
