Latest news with #BSEK
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
BSEK puts off automated paper checking
The results of the 2025 annual matric examinations will be declared by July 31, said the chairman of the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK), Ghulam Hussain Soho, on Friday. However, he added that in case of any unforeseen technical or administrative delay, results will be announced in the first week of August. Speaking to The Express Tribune, the BSEK chief said that nearly 180,000 students appeared in this year's matric exams, making result preparation a logistical challenge. To address concerns of transparency and efficiency, he said that both manual checking and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) systems will be used for assessment this year. Soho clarified that the previous software system, found to be both expensive and lacking transparency, has been scrapped after a review of its contract. A new, cost-effective system is being planned to streamline the process without compromising quality. The chairman further stated that OMR sheets will be used for compiling award lists this year, while from next year, all Class X exams and selected Class IX papers will be conducted using the OMR system to enhance transparency and expedite result processing. The goal is to complete result preparation within one month in the future. Chairman Soho also disclosed plans to revamp the existing mark-sheet, citing deficiencies in its design and quality. The BSEK will study mark-sheets from national and international educational boards to introduce a redesigned document that will feature improvements in weight, font size, colour scheme, security features, and overall design aesthetics, he added. The redesigned mark-sheet is expected to be introduced from next year to ensure both durability and protection against forgery. The chairman said that the BSEK is moving towards full digitisation of its services. An online portal is being developed, through which students will be able to easily access their personal data, forms, roll number slips, and examination results. He added that efforts are underway to automate all board operations. Chairman Soho revealed that the BSEK plans to make 70% of matric exam questions multiple-choice based in the coming years. This change aims to align students with the format of competitive entry tests such as ECAT and MCAT, enabling them to adjust to the testing pattern earlier and reducing reliance on expensive entry test preparation academies. This initiative, aimed at relieving financial pressure on parents and psychological stress on students, will be implemented after necessary approvals from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). The BSEK has also decided to raise the passing marks to 40% from the upcoming academic year to improve academic standards and motivate students to work harder. Chairman Soho affirmed that all these reforms are part of the BSEK's broader strategy to modernise examination systems and enhance transparency in line with contemporary educational standards.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Board exams disrupted by power outages, inadequate facilities
The annual exams for grades IX and X conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) were marred by inadequate facilities and a lack of proper arrangements. Students had to sit on mats under the open sky due to a shortage of furniture. Many exam centres experienced faulty fans and power outages, adding to the students' discomfort. In the first shift, ninth-grade students appeared for the computer science exam, while in the second shift, exams for Urdu, Sindhi, and geography were held. Power outages were particularly problematic, with several exam centres, including those on Jahangir Road, Jamshaid Road, Lyari, and Orangi, facing prolonged electricity shortages. This not only affected the overall exam environment but also created difficulties for both students and exam staff. In some centres, students were forced to use makeshift chairs arranged by decoration services or had to sit on the floor. Government Boys Secondary School in Lyari also faced load shedding, which caused problems for students due to intense heat and lack of electricity. The exam centre's atmosphere was negatively affected, with students experiencing headaches, fatigue, and mental distress. Similarly, Government Boys and Girls Secondary School in Orangi experienced disruptions due to power outages, with students taking their exams in hot conditions without fans. Government Boys Secondary School on Jahangir Road and Government Girls Secondary School on Jamshaid Road also reported power outages. Students stated that the electricity went out shortly after the exams began and did not return for two hours. This situation further heightened students' anxiety. The exam staff also faced challenges due to the power outage. However, all exams started and ended as scheduled in both shifts. Load shedding continued for several hours in various areas of Karachi, including Lyari, Orangi, and Bin Qasim Town. Students and staff at the exam centres faced significant difficulties due to the lack of electricity. In addition, the exams were plagued by mismanagement this year. Last-minute changes to exam centres caused distress for students and parents. Sources claim that certain elements within the board have taken control of the exam system, leading to irregularities in arrangements. Parents and teachers have demanded that the electricity supply be ensured during exam hours to provide a better environment for students. They also urged the BSEK administration to immediately address these irregularities and implement reforms to prevent such issues in future exams. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Secondary Education Karachi has expressed concerns over load shedding at various examination centres during the ongoing annual exams. He said that students are facing difficulties due to extreme heat and the lack of electricity, which is affecting their ability to focus on their exams. The Chairman appealed to K-Electric's senior officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during exam hours, specifically from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm, to help students complete their exams smoothly. Bags stolen from exam centre Three students' bags were stolen from KMC School in the Liaquatabad B-1 area, which falls under the Liaquatabad police station, during the matric exams. The students arrived in the morning to take the exam, submitted their bags, and sat down to begin. After the exams concluded, they found their bags missing. The bags contained mobile phones, valuables, wallets, and cash. According to the affected students, the school administration refused to assist them, prompting the students and their parents to protest outside the school. They have demanded that higher authorities take notice of the incident and recover their stolen bags. When contacted, the concerned police station claimed to be unaware of the situation.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
No paper leak reported
Female students put their learning to the test as they tackle their Secondary School Certificate (Matric) exams at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School-1 Jacob Lines examination centre. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS The first paper of the matriculation exams under the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) was conducted smoothly, marking a significant break in the long-standing issue of exam paper leaks. The BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Sohoo has warned that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will take action against individuals found circulating exam papers on social media. Additionally, the board is considering adding QR codes to future exam papers to curb cheating. On the first day of annual exams for 9th and 10th grade all exams started and ended on schedule. BSEK officials ensured timely delivery of question papers to examination hubs, which were then handed over to school center superintendents. BSEK chairman, along with the Controller of Examinations Zaheer Bhutto and other officials, visited examination centers at the Comprehensive Government Girls High School Block M and Children's Educational Center Government Boys Secondary School in North Nazimabad, accompanied by members of the print and electronic media.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Annual grades IX, X exams kick off today
The Annual Exams for IX and X grades under the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) are set to begin today at 499 examination centres across Karachi. BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Soho provided details about the examinations and their arrangements on Sunday during a meeting at his office. For the first time, the examination board has issued computerised online admit cards to all students, and the list of examination centres is available on the board's official website. A total of 375,000 students will take the exams, including those from science and general groups, both regular and private. The examination centres include both government and private schools, with 256 centres designated for male students and 243 for female students. BSEK has established 19 Hub Examination Centres across 18 towns in Karachi for the IX and X-grade exams. These centres will be responsible for receiving and distributing exam papers. To maintain the integrity of the exams, strict instructions have been issued, prohibiting students from bringing mobile devices or any unauthorised materials to the exam centres. Any such items found will be confiscated, and students are warned against attempting to cheat. The board has also requested the imposition of Section 144 around exam centres, restricting external interference and requiring nearby photocopying shops to close during the exams. To oversee the exams, the board has established a reporting cell at its office to monitor and prevent cheating. An effective paper delivery system has been put in place, where board officials will deliver sealed exam papers to Hub Centres, which will then be collected by centre superintendents or their representatives. Vigilance officers will be present at each exam centre 30 minutes before the exam starts and will remain there throughout to prevent cheating. They will submit daily reports to the reporting cell at the board office, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. With 375,000 students participating, the exams will take place across 499 centres, with 256 designated for boys and 243 for girls. The Chairman revealed that vigilance officers will sign the sealed envelopes in their presence to ensure the integrity of the exams. This measure is part of a collective effort by the government, district administration, and the board to prevent cheating, in line with the directives of the Sindh government. To facilitate a smooth exam experience, the board has also requested K-Electric to avoid load shedding during the exams, ensuring that students can take their exams in a conducive environment. The meeting was attended by BSEK Secretary Dr Naveed Ahmed, Examination Controller Zaheeuddin Bhutto, and other officials.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Express Tribune
BSEK announces matric exam schedule
Listen to article The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has announced the schedule for the upcoming 9th and 10th-grade examinations. According to an official statement, the exams will begin on April 8, 2025. A total of 375,000 students are expected to take part in the examinations, which will be held at 499 examination centers across Karachi. The list of these centers has been published on the BSEK's official website. BSEK Chairman confirmed that all students have been issued computerized admit cards for the exams. The board emphasized that strict measures will be enforced at the examination centers, including a complete ban on mobile phones and electronic devices. Any gadgets found on students will be confiscated by the examination staff. The schedule for practical examinations will be announced at a later date. It is also important to note that the matriculation exam schedule was revised from its original March dates due to the coinciding of the exams with the holy month of Ramadan. The Sindh government updated the schedule to accommodate this. In addition, the new academic session in Sindh began today, April 7, 2025. The new academic year for colleges will start on August 1, 2025, as per the official announcement. The winter and summer vacation schedules will remain unchanged. Summer vacations are scheduled from June 1 to July 31, while winter holidays will be observed from December 22 to December 31.
