Efforts to modernise Pakistan’s examination system have gained momentum as the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) moves toward implementing automation, Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), and e-marking technologies across educational boards. The initiative, aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and quality in assessment procedures, marks a collaborative effort among the Federal and provincial examination authorities.
During a recent meeting, Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) Chairman Faqir Muhammad Lakho and Sindh Board of Technical Education Chairman Musharraf Ali Rajput met with Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) Chairman Dr Ikram Ali Malik at his office. The discussion focused on advancing examination practices through digital solutions and strengthening collaboration among education boards. It was decided that an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed among the three boards to formalize this cooperation. Under the agreement, the Federal Board will provide full technical assistance, training, and guidance to both the Karachi and Sindh Technical Boards to ensure the smooth implementation of these technologies.
In the first phase of the project, two officers from each provincial board will undergo specialized training at the Federal Board in Islamabad. This training will equip participants with the technical knowledge required to manage automation and e-marking processes effectively. Once trained, the provincial boards will deploy similar systems based on the Federal Board’s successful experience with automated examination evaluation. These efforts will help standardise examination practices across Pakistan, ensuring consistency and reliability in grading and assessment.
Chairman Faqir Muhammad Lakho highlighted that the Karachi Board had already taken a step forward by conducting the Mathematics paper for Intermediate Part-I Annual Examinations 2025 using the e-marking system as a pilot project. The trial, he noted, produced highly encouraging results, demonstrating the potential of digital tools in improving evaluation accuracy and minimizing human error. The success of this pilot has reinforced the board’s commitment to adopting technology-driven solutions for broader implementation in upcoming examination cycles.
The meeting was also attended by FBISE Director IT Dr Bashir Khan and Controller of Examinations Aqeel Imran, who discussed the technical framework and infrastructure required for the transition. Participants agreed that the shift toward digital examination systems would not only enhance transparency and speed but also improve the overall governance of examination processes. By integrating automation, OMR, and e-marking tools, IBCC and its affiliated boards aim to create a more efficient, accountable, and credible evaluation system aligned with the broader vision of Digital Pakistan.
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