Latest news with #GhulamHussainSoho
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
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.
