Punjab has announced major reforms aimed at modernizing the examination system for matriculation and intermediate students. Starting in 2026, biometric registration will become mandatory for Class 9 and Class 11 candidates, while traditional paper marking will be replaced entirely by digital systems. CCTV cameras will also be installed at exam centers to strengthen monitoring and ensure accountability throughout the examination process. The move marks a significant step toward transparency and accuracy in student assessment.
The Board Committee of Chairmen (BOC), representing all nine educational boards in Punjab, has approved these reforms, bringing an end to decades of manual paper checking. Under the new system, students will provide thumbprints for verification and entry into exam halls. Both government and private schools will manage biometric devices and related software, while the boards will supply the required scanning and marking technology. Officials believe this transition to digital marking will reduce human errors, prevent miscalculations, and provide fairer evaluation of students’ attempts.
Science practical examinations will also undergo improvements under the reforms, moving away from procedural formalities toward more meaningful assessments of practical skills. By modernizing the evaluation process, the authorities aim to ensure students are tested accurately and comprehensively, reflecting their true academic capabilities. The digital marking system is expected to streamline result compilation and reduce delays in publishing outcomes, which have historically been a challenge.
The reforms will be introduced gradually, starting with biometric registration for Class 9 and Class 11 students this year. Rawalpindi Division alone has established 400 examination centers equipped with CCTV cameras, and authorities are working to expand monitoring infrastructure across the province. Officials hope that these measures will improve transparency, reduce irregularities, and instill greater confidence in Punjab’s examination system, benefiting both students and educational institutions.
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