Educational gaps

Matriculation and intermediate examinations in Sindh have long been rampant with allegations of bribery-related corruption, mismanagement and thriving cheating networks. And it seems that the Sindh government is least bothered about reforms at a foundational level, instead engaging in rolling out modern initiatives that are akin to concealing real issues. Just recently, Sindh has introduced a new grading system for matriculation and intermediate levels similar to that of the Cambridge Board. Marks will now be replaced with grades, with the failing grade, U (ungraded), set at 40 instead of 33. This new policy is set to take effect from 2026.

Unfortunately, many educational reforms launched previously never came to fruition, leading to speculations about the inevitable failure of the current ones. In December 2025, Sindh government announced that it was adopting an e-marking and QR-code based examination system meant to enforce transparency in examinations. While it seems progressive on paper, a similar e-marking system was launched in 2024 as well which was never implemented due to lack of effective planning. The staff wasn't adequately trained, and the required technology wasn't operational in time — despite spending.

Irregularities and mismanagement in the examination process are consistently noted, which have not only caused delays but have recently forced the government to award all students with grace marks to make up for administrative discrepancies.

Instead of adopting modernisation and digitisation initiatives, the government must first pay heed to the excessive corruption and mismanagement that takes place in the examination system. When students appear for exams in halls without electricity or even functioning fans, and many of their peers rely on money to procure marks, such steps are merely pomp and show and utterly useless for students at the end of the day. Leadership should primarily focus on effective management, only then will any other step bear fruit.