BIEK 'remedy' fails to impress students

KARACHI:

The annual examination results of the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) have been mired in a controversy. The board chairman has proposed some remedial measures, but the affected students seem unsatisfied.

Disregarding the formation of an investigation committee and the waiver of the scrutiny fee, students insist on personally reviewing their answer sheets. The BIEK administration, however, has denied this request, citing logistical challenges.

According to BIEK officials, it would be impractical to allow millions of students to directly check their answer sheets. However, the officials have added that students with glaring discrepancies in their marks can apply for rechecking under the supervision of BIEK.

BIEK Examinations Director Zarina Rashid said on Thursday that they have taken steps to accommodate student grievances. "The scrutiny fee, previously set at Rs1,000 per paper, was initially halved and has now been completely waived," he told The Express Tribune.

Moreover, students who achieved 80% or higher in matriculation but scored below 55% in their 11th-grade exams can view their answer sheets, he said, adding that if they remain dissatisfied, they will undergo interviews for further assessment.

"The scrutiny process will be completed within 30 days," Rashid further said. "Revised results, if any, will be sent to the students' homes. Our office remains open to address any remaining concerns." For the first time, the scrutiny process will involve evaluating the correctness of answers, rather than merely recounting marks.

Many students still remain unconvinced. They argue that the current system lacks transparency and question the credibility of those tasked with rechecking their answer sheets. "If our marks don't improve, our future will be ruined," one affected student told The Express Tribune. He demanded alternative solutions and warned of drastic actions, including transferring to other educational boards or even leaving the country.

The BIEK has advised affected students to download the scrutiny form from its official website and submit their applications.