Boards may hold exams in May

Education minister proposes holding exams through MCQs

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood has directed the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to devise a plan for a uniform academic session starting from August 2021, urging them to conduct secondary and higher secondary examinations in May-June, like other countries of the world.

He remarked during his visit to IBCC Secretariat in Islamabad on Thursday. He was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Wajiha Akram, Federal Secretary Farah Hamid Khan and Additional Secretary Mohyuddin Wani.

Secretary IBCC Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah briefed about functions, activities, priorities and future plans of IBCC.

During the briefing, the education minister desired to conduct all examinations through MCQs and technology-based assessment. He urged to introduce standard examination at middle level.

He also appreciated the idea of introduction of alternative to practical exams along with theory examinations for secondary school certificate (SSC) and higher secondary school certificate (HSSC).

Mahmood assured that the ministry would provide training through the Pakistan Institute of Education to officers and assessors of all boards to enhance their evaluation skills.

The minister also emphasised that high achievers students of secondary school certificate (SSC) and higher secondary school certificate (HSSC) should be invited to Islamabad for meeting the President of Pakistan as a token of acknowledgement and encouragement.

The IBCC secretary briefed the minister about various initiatives to automate all services to facilitate the students. He informed the minister that three lines for UAN were installed.

He appreciated the collection and delivery of documents by IBCC through courier services. Mahmood has desired that in addition to the information of courier service to the applicants, a message should be sent from IBCC as well to give a sense of ownership of documents to students. The IBCC may also obtain ISO Certification. He urged to further improve the services of the IBCC in line with its current efforts.

The federal minister further said that Inter Board Academic Olympiads should also be organised through the IBCC in addition to the Inter Boards Sports. He appreciated the overall performance of IBCC and desired to keep it up with more sincerity.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2020.