Punjab Board Makes Biometric Attendence Mandatory for Matric and Inter Exams

Punjab Board Makes Biometric Attendence Mandatory for Matric and Inter Exams

The Punjab Board has approved a comprehensive digital transformation of its matriculation and intermediate examination systems . The reforms, greenlit by the Board Committee of Chairmen (BCC) representing all nine educational boards in the province, mark the end of the century-old manual paper marking and monitoring era.

End of an Era: Traditional Manual Marking Scrapped

The most significant change approved by the committee is the complete abolition of the traditional manual method of checking answer scripts. For decades, stacks of physical paper answer sheets have been the norm for millions of students. Under the newly approved framework, examination boards will now scan all answer sheets and implement digital on-screen marking (OSM) . Officials will assess and grade responses directly on computer screens, a move touted to revolutionize accuracy and transparency.

Senior education officials state that this shift is designed to eliminate long-standing grievances such as incorrect marking, manual calculation errors, and inconsistent assessment standards. "Digital marking ensures anonymity, reduces human error, and brings unparalleled transparency to the evaluation process," said a spokesperson for the Punjab Boards Committee. "It aligns our system with global best practices in educational assessment."

Biometric Verification Becomes Mandatory for Students

In a parallel move to maintain exam security and authenticity , the committee has mandated compulsory Biometric Attendance for all candidates. This system will be implemented in phases, beginning with registrations for the 2026 academic session .

From 2026 onwards, all male and female students enrolling in Class 9th and Class 11th will be required to provide their thumb impressions during registration . These biometric records will then be used for verification and secure entry at examination centers. Authorities believe this will significantly curb cases of impersonation and fraudulent attendance.

The onus for the logistical implementation of this biometric system will fall on both government and private schools . Educational institutions are tasked with providing the necessary hardware, including biometric devices and laptops. The examination boards will solely supply the proprietary software required to operate the system.

Science Practical Exams Get a Major Upgrade

Beyond written exams, the committee has also sanctioned a crucial upgrade to the science practical examination system . Historically often treated as a mere formality, practical assessments for science subjects will now involve robust, structured, and proper evaluations .

"This reform ensures that students' practical skills are judged with the same seriousness as their theoretical knowledge," an official from the Rawalpindi Board explained. "It aims to produce graduates with hands-on competency, essential for higher education and scientific fields."

Phased Implementation and Enhanced Surveillance for 2025

While the full suite of digital reforms will unfold in the coming years, authorities will initiate a partial implementation starting this year . The first step will be the biometric registration process for Class 9th and Class 11th students enrolling in 2025.

Furthermore, in a immediate move for the upcoming examination cycles, the installation of CCTV cameras has been declared mandatory at all examination centers across Punjab this year. This measure is intended to deter malpractice and provide a reliable monitoring record.

The Rawalpindi Division offers a glimpse into this rollout, where authorities have established 400 examination centers for matric and intermediate exams. The process of installing CCTV cameras, funded through a student fee, is already underway in these locations.

Stakeholder Reactions and Future Implications

Education analysts have largely welcomed the reforms, highlighting their potential to restore public confidence in the board examination system. "Digitization is a positive step towards fairness and efficiency," an education policy expert. "However, its success hinges on seamless execution, robust teacher training for digital marking, and ensuring all schools, especially in rural areas, have the resources for the biometric mandate."

Parents and students have expressed a mix of optimism and cautious concern. While many appreciate the push for transparency, questions remain about the cost implications of the new hardware for schools and potential technical glitches during high-stakes exams.

The Punjab government's sweeping changes represent the most significant overhaul of the secondary examination system in decades. By integrating biometrics, digital assessment, and enhanced monitoring, the province aims to create a more secure, transparent, and reliable examination framework . The world will be watching as Punjab navigates this ambitious digital transition, setting a potential precedent for other regions in Pakistan and beyond.