Digital marking, biometrics set for exams

Manual checking system abolished, CCTV cameras mandatory at exam centres

RAWALPINDI:

The Board Committee of Chairmen of all nine educational boards of the province has approved the abolition of the traditional manual system of paper marking and monitoring for matriculation and intermediate annual examinations, replacing it with a new system. Under the new system, biometric attendance of all male and female students appearing in examinations has been declared mandatory.

From 2026, thumb impressions will be compulsory for the registration of Class 9 and Class 11 students, which will be used for biometric verification and entry into examination centres.

All biometric arrangements will be the responsibility of government and private schools, while boards will only provide software. Schools will be bound to arrange biometric devices and laptops.

All paper marking will now be digital instead of manual.

Answer sheets will be scanned and checked on computer screens, eliminating wrong marking and errors in counting marks and ensuring transparency.

The science practical examination system has also been upgraded and will now involve proper practical assessments instead of mere formality.

This year, the system will be partially implemented, starting with biometric registration for Classes 9 and 11.

CCTV cameras will be mandatory at all examination centres this year. Across Rawalpindi Division, 400 matric and intermediate examination centres have been established, where installation of closed-circuit cameras funded by students has begun.