PHC seeks original answer sheet of student awarded 'zero' in biology

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed the Controller of Examinations of the Peshawar Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) to produce the original answer sheet of a ninth-grade student who was awarded zero marks in his Biology theory examination.

The direction was issued during the hearing of a petition filed by ninth-grade student Abdul Moeez, challenging the award of zero marks in the Biology I theory examination conducted by Peshawar BISE.

The petition was heard by a two-member bench comprising Senior Puisne Judge Ijaz Anwar and Justice Babar Sattar.

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The petitioner’s counsel, Aminur Rehman Yousafzai and Mohammad Arif Khan, appeared before the court and contended that the student had secured an A+ grade in all other subjects but was awarded “zero marks” in the Biology theory paper.

“He secured around 90% marks in almost all subjects. However, he was awarded zero marks in the Biology theory paper, while he had secured 23 out of 25 marks in the multiple-choice questions and practical component of the same subject,” Advocate Yousafzai told the court.

The counsel further said the student had applied for rechecking and requested the board to allow him to inspect his answer sheet.

However, BISE informed him that no rules had so far been framed allowing students to inspect their marked answer sheets.

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Citing the examination practices of the National University of Sciences and Technology, Advocate Yousafzai said students there were allowed to inspect their marked answer scripts. He added that his son was studying at the university.

Justice Anwar observed that similar practices were followed in other countries, where students were allowed to inspect their examination papers after evaluation.

The counsel requested the court to direct the education board to produce the marked answer sheet, saying the petitioner would be satisfied if the court examined it.

He also expressed apprehension that the student’s Biology answer sheet might have been misplaced, resulting in the award of zero marks.

Subsequently, the bench issued a written order, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, directing the BISE controller to produce the student’s original answer sheet at the next hearing, scheduled for August 25.