Centralised practical exam marking planned

All Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) in Punjab have decided to introduce a new system for assessing practical examinations, under which the written portion will be checked at the board level instead of the examination centres.

The decision comes after authorities reviewed concerns that some students were receiving unusually high practical marks despite average or weak performance in theory. Officials concluded that the system required stronger monitoring and uniform assessment standards.

According to a senior Lahore BISE official, candidates appearing in practical examinations of physics, chemistry, biology and computer science will now complete a written test along with the experiment and viva voce.

"The answer sheets will be collected by the respective boards and assessed by trained examiners through a centralised marking process. Examiners at practical centres will only evaluate students' laboratory work, practical skills and oral performance," the official said.

The sources said the previous system allowed practical examiners to award marks with limited oversight, resulting in complaints from students and teachers about inconsistencies in marking.

Officials believe the written assessment will also make it easier for the boards to review the answer sheets if complaints are received regarding the results.

An official of an education board said, "The purpose of this reform is not to make examinations difficult for students. Our goal is to ensure that every candidate receives marks based on actual performance under a transparent and uniform system."

Education experts say the reform could help restore confidence in the examination process, particularly in science subjects where practical marks often determine overall grades. "Students will now have to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical skills instead of depending solely on generous marking at examination centres," said Punjab Teachers Union leader Allah Rakha Gujjar.

A teacher said all practical examiners should receive uniform training so that laboratory performance and viva voce were assessed according to the same standards throughout the province.

Experts also recommended regular visits and random audits to ensure that the policy was implemented fairly.

In recent years, the education boards have increased the use of digital record, strengthened examination monitoring and question paper security and taken action against cheating networks.

Authorities believe these measures have reduced several forms of malpractice.

Students expressed mixed opinions about the new assessment method, urging the boards to issue clear guidelines and sample formats before the next examinations so that candidates understand the revised pattern.