New Marking System for Board Exams. Punjab has announced a major reform in the board examination system that will change how answer sheets are checked. From next year, the province will shift from traditional manual checking to on-screen marking, starting with computer science as a pilot subject.
Education officials say this step will modernize exams, reduce errors, and ensure faster and fairer results for students across Punjab.
Punjab Moves Towards Digital Exam Assessment
Punjab’s education authorities have confirmed that all Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education will gradually adopt on-screen marking. This means examiners will check answer sheets digitally on computer screens instead of using pen-and-paper methods.
The announcement was made during an official briefing led by Muzammil Mahmood, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Boards, in the presence of senior education administrators.
Officials say the new system is part of a larger education digitization plan in Punjab.
What Is On-Screen Marking?
On-screen marking is a system where:
- Answer sheets are scanned after exams
- Copies are uploaded to a secure digital platform
- Examiners check papers on computers or tablets
- Marks are saved automatically in the system
This removes physical handling of papers and reduces human errors.
Many countries already use this system to ensure accuracy, transparency, and speed.
Why Punjab Is Changing the Marking System
Education authorities listed several reasons for this important change:
Faster Result Processing
Manual checking often delays results. On-screen marking can reduce checking time significantly.
Fair and Transparent Assessment
Digital systems minimize bias, favoritism, and marking manipulation.
Control of Irregularities
The new method helps curb long-standing issues like missing papers, over-marking, and unauthorized changes.
Better Monitoring
Supervisors can track examiner performance and consistency in real time.
Alignment with Modern Education Standards
Punjab wants its exam system to match international assessment practices.
Computer Science Selected as Pilot Subject
Punjab will start the new marking system with computer science.
Officials explained the reasons clearly:
- Computer science has objective and structured answers
- The subject fits well with digital evaluation tools
- Marking schemes are easier to standardize
- It reduces examiner interpretation errors
If the pilot succeeds, other subjects will also move to on-screen marking in later phases.
Boards Affected by the New System
The reform will be implemented across all boards working under the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education Punjab.
This includes matric and intermediate exams conducted throughout the province.
Education authorities aim to standardize marking rules across all boards so students receive equal treatment, regardless of location.
Part of a Wider Digitization Drive
The new marking system is not a single change. It is part of a complete overhaul of the examination process in Punjab.
Other Reforms Include:
- Biometric verification at examination centers
- Digital attendance of students and staff
- Revised practical examination rules
- Centralized exam data management
- Improved examiner training systems
Officials say these steps will help ensure exams test real knowledge and skills, not rote learning.
Impact on Students
For students, this reform brings several benefits:
- Faster declaration of results
- Reduced chances of unfair marking
- More reliable paper checking
- Improved trust in the examination system
Students of computer science will be the first to experience this change. Education authorities have assured that the transition will be smooth and student-friendly.
Impact on Teachers and Examiners
Teachers who check papers will receive:
- Training on digital marking platforms
- Clear marking rubrics and guidelines
- Monitoring to ensure consistent marking
Examiners will no longer need to handle physical answer sheets, making the process safer and more efficient.
Will Traditional Exams End?
No. Written exams will continue as usual. Only the marking process is changing.
Students will still:
- Sit in exam halls
- Write answers on paper
- Follow existing exam schedules
The difference starts after the exams, during checking.
When Will the New System Start?
Officials have confirmed that:
- The pilot will begin next year
- Computer science will be the first subject
- Other subjects will be added after evaluation
Exact dates and board-wise schedules will be announced separately.
Role of the Punjab Education Department
The reform is being implemented under the supervision of the Punjab Education Department.
The department is coordinating with:
- BISE boards
- IT experts
- Examination controllers
- Education policymakers
Their goal is to make Punjab’s exam system transparent, efficient, and credible.
Challenges and Safeguards
Officials also acknowledged possible challenges, such as:
- Technical training for staff
- Internet and system security
- Initial adjustment period
To address these, authorities plan:
- Backup systems
- Secure servers
- Step-by-step rollout
- Continuous monitoring
Conclusion
Punjab’s decision to introduce on-screen marking for board exams is a major step towards modern education reform. Starting with computer science, the province aims to improve result accuracy, reduce delays, and restore confidence in the examination process.
If implemented properly, this system can transform board exams in Punjab and set an example for other provinces to follow.
