SSC exams continue amid complaints

Centres changed due to shortage of space, lack of facilities

KARACHI:

With the commencement of the annual examinations for class IX and X under the Board of Secondary Education, complaints have started piling up particularly regarding the examination centres.

In one instance, three students were forced to attempt their paper under the sun in an open ground due to the shortage of space at a centre, while in another case, the management placed candidates in different parts of the building, subjecting them to the sweltering heat.

Amidst these challenges, a video circulating on social media allegedly shows the staff at an examination centre helping candidates in cheating. However, the controller of examination has disputed the authenticity of the video and involvement of the staff in such activities.

This year's annual exams for classes IX and X have been marred by malpractices and mismanagement. In one instance, Al Shafaq Boys and Girls Secondary School was designated as examination centre for the first two papers, but it was replaced by Rahbar Primary and Secondary School in Azam Basti for the remaining papers.

However, Al-Shafaq School Principal Tariq has denied any mismanagement or maladministration, alleging that the district education officer (DEO) and the assistant commissioner (AC) had moved the examination centre in order to "appease local influential personalities."

According to Habibullah Sahag, the controller of examinations, Al-Shafaq School was unregistered, and the building was in a dilapidated condition. After receiving complaints, the AC and DEO visited the centre and found it to be overcrowded and in violation of the board's examination policy.

"The rooms were too small to accommodate all the students, lacked proper drinking water facilities and electricity. Consequently, the examination centre had to be changed after a few papers," he Sahag told The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, a similar situation was observed at an examination centre in Orangi Town, where 680 students were crammed into a school having a capacity to accommodate 400 students.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2023.