BIEK transitioning to paperless system

A facilitation centre is being set up at the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) office to streamline operations and transition to a paperless system, said the board's chairman Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah on Thursday.

"Students will now fill out a single form containing their roll number, year, ID card number, and father's name, along with a college recommendation letter," Shah told The Express Tribune in an interview. "This simplified process replaces multiple forms and paperwork. Documents will be generated automatically through an integrated IT system."

This initiative, according to Shah, eliminates the need for five separate forms, each costing Rs100, resulting in savings of around Rs40 million annually. Student verification, previously conducted at the board office, will now utilise NADRA verification services for a nominal fee of Rs10.

On the directives of Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ali Malkani, the BIEK has launched the "Question Item Development" project which aims to enhance exam integrity by focusing on concept-based assessments. "Questions will be developed by distinguished professors to discourage reliance on mobile devices or books for answers," Shah said.

The BIEK also plans to introduce e-marking and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) systems in upcoming annual examinations, Shah disclosed. "Teachers and students will receive training to familiarise themselves with these technologies, ensuring efficient result processing and maintaining transparency in university admissions."

Regarding the Inter-mediate annual examinations 2024, the BIEK chairman announced the establishment of six assessment centres, aiming to expedite result processing.