KARACHI:
We emphasize a matter of significant concern demanding immediate attention and decisive action — the imperative need for a comprehensive reform of the syllabus designed for the Secondary School Teacher (SST) examination by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). While recognizing the Commission’s dedication to maintaining educational standards and selecting highly qualified candidates, it is crucial to address a set of alarming concerns requiring swift rectification.
Primary among these concerns is the distribution of subjects, particularly within the General category. The inclusion of both Sindhi and Urdu subjects presents a significant challenge. This dual inclusion unfairly disadvantages candidates, especially those whose proficiency varies between the two languages. To rectify this, the Commission is urged to consider offering either Urdu or Sindhi within the General category, ensuring an equitable playing field for all candidates.
Likewise, a troubling gap in the Science category has been identified — the absence of Computer Science alongside Biology. A significant number of students opt to study Computer Science over Biology during their ninth-grade curriculum. Consequently, academically proficient Computer Science students encounter unnecessary difficulties during the examination. The Commission is strongly urged to reconsider the syllabus, fostering a more inclusive approach that accommodates all prospective candidates, particularly those seeking a broader range of subjects.
Additionally, attention is drawn to the challenges associated with the category selection process on the Commission’s website. Past candidates have faced persistent technical issues leading to inadvertent errors in category selection. Many have mistakenly opted for the General category instead of the Science category, and vice versa, due to website malfunctions. The Commission must promptly rectify these technical issues and enhance the website’s functionality to provide a just and fair opportunity to all candidates.
The SPSC is respectfully requested to reconsider the allocation of subjects within categories and urgently address the technical glitches affecting category selection on the website. It is firmly believed that by doing so, the Commission can establish a more just and inclusive examination process, allowing every candidate to demonstrate their true potential. The relevant authorities are implored to take prompt and resolute measures to address these pressing concerns, contributing collectively to the establishment of a more equitable and inclusive educational system.
Prof. Dr. Intikhab Ulfat and
Prof Iqbal Khan
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2023.
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