All Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) across Punjab have introduced a new practical examination assessment system, shifting evaluation of the written component from examination centres to the boards themselves.
The reform follows concerns that some students were receiving unusually high practical marks despite average or weak performance in theory papers. Authorities concluded that the previous arrangement lacked adequate monitoring and uniform assessment standards.
Under the new system, candidates appearing in practical examinations of physics, chemistry, biology and computer science will complete a written test in addition to the experiment and viva voce components.
A senior Lahore BISE official said answer sheets will be collected by the respective boards and evaluated by trained examiners through a centralised marking process.
Examiners stationed at practical centres will continue to assess laboratory work, practical skills and oral performance, but will no longer mark the written portion.
Sources said the earlier system allowed practical examiners to award marks with limited oversight, leading to complaints from students and teachers regarding inconsistent grading.
Officials said the centralised written assessment will also make it easier for boards to review answer sheets when complaints are raised about results.
An education board official said the reform is intended to ensure that candidates receive marks reflecting actual performance under a transparent and uniform system, rather than making examinations harder for students.
Education experts believe the change could restore confidence in the examination process, particularly in science subjects where practical marks often influence overall grades.
Punjab Teachers Union leader Allah Rakha Gujjar said students will now need to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical skills rather than relying on lenient marking at examination centres.
Teachers have called for uniform training of all practical examiners so that laboratory performance and viva voce are assessed consistently across the province. Experts also recommended regular visits and random audits to ensure the policy is implemented fairly.
In recent years, education boards have expanded digital record keeping, tightened examination monitoring and question paper security, and taken action against cheating networks, measures that authorities say have curbed several forms of malpractice.
