Punjab Announces New Marking System for Board Exams. Punjab education authorities have decided to introduce on-screen marking for board examinations starting next year. The new system will be implemented across the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education, with computer science selected as the pilot subject. The move marks a major shift in how answer sheets are checked and results are prepared in the province.
Why Punjab Is Changing the Marking System
The decision aims to modernize the examination process and improve transparency. Officials say the current manual checking system often leads to delays, errors, and complaints from students. On-screen marking is expected to speed up result preparation and reduce long-standing irregularities in exam administration.
Under the new system, examiners will check scanned answer sheets on secure digital platforms instead of using physical copies. This reduces human error and limits chances of tampering.
Announcement by Education Leadership
The reform was announced by Muzammil Mahmood, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Boards, during a briefing attended by senior education administrators. He said the shift to digital marking is part of a broader effort to restore trust in board examinations and ensure fair assessment for all students.
Education officials present at the briefing welcomed the move and called it a long-overdue reform.
Computer Science Chosen as Pilot Subject
Authorities selected computer science for the pilot phase because of its objective question format. Many answers are already standardized, making the subject suitable for digital checking. Officials also said computer science aligns well with automated and semi-automated marking tools.
If the pilot phase proves successful, on-screen marking will gradually expand to other subjects in matric and intermediate examinations.
Part of a Larger Digitization Plan
The on-screen marking system is not a standalone reform. It is part of a wider digitization drive within Punjab’s education sector. Officials confirmed that future reforms will include biometric verification at examination centers, standardized examination rules across boards, and changes to practical exams to better assess real student skills.
These steps aim to create a fair, uniform, and technology-driven examination system across the province.
Impact on Students and Teachers
For students, the new system promises faster results, fewer checking errors, and improved transparency. It may also reduce the need for rechecking applications and legal complaints.
For teachers and examiners, training will be provided to help them adapt to digital marking tools. Authorities said capacity-building sessions will begin before the system is rolled out.
What Happens Next
Education departments will finalize technical arrangements, including software selection and examiner training. A detailed implementation timeline is expected to be shared before the next examination cycle.
Officials advised students and parents to stay updated through official board announcements.
FAQs
What is on-screen marking?
It is a digital system where examiners check scanned answer sheets on computers instead of paper copies.
Which subject will be checked first under this system?
Computer science will be the pilot subject.
Will this affect exam difficulty?
No. The exam pattern remains the same. Only the checking method changes.
When will the new system start?
The system will be introduced from next year.
Will other subjects be included later?
Yes. Authorities plan to expand it after reviewing the pilot phase.
Conclusion
Punjab’s move to introduce on-screen marking is a significant step toward modernizing board examinations. By starting with computer science and expanding gradually, education authorities aim to create a faster, fairer, and more transparent assessment system. If implemented successfully, the reform could set a new standard for examinations across Pakistan.
