Lahore board announces schedule for 9th grade annual exams

The Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has confirmed that the 9th-grade annual exams will proceed as per the official date sheet.

The exams, scheduled for March 28 and April 4, will be held according to the announced timetable.

The spokesperson for the Lahore Board stated that the exam on March 28 will include papers for Quran Translation and Ethics for Non-Muslims.

On April 4, students will sit for exams in subjects including Fashion Designing, Art, Model Drawing, Physiology, and Environmental Studies.

The announcement reassures students and teachers that the examinations will be conducted smoothly, in accordance with the previously issued schedule.

On the other hand, the Sindh Assembly's fact-finding inquiry committee, tasked with investigating objections regarding the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi's (BIEK) XI exam results, has submitted its report.

The report identifies irregularities and mismanagement in areas such as assessment, record-keeping, and mark sheets. As a result, the committee has recommended awarding grace marks to all students.

Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah, who chairs the committee, stated that Karachi's education boards have been involved in malpractice for the past eight years and must be reformed.

The inquiry, led by Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, Vice-Chancellor of NED University, uncovered significant flaws in the BIEK's operations. The committee has been authorised to hold those responsible accountable.

It was recommended that grace marks be added to first-year students' results: 15% in Physics, 20% in Chemistry, and 15% in Mathematics.

Shah also called for reforms in the board system and suggested a centralised approach to oversee operations.

He criticised the Karachi Intermediate Board for operating like a "mafia" and manipulating results, which has led to poorer performance compared to other boards.

The committee's findings and recommendations will be presented to the Chief Minister.