Punjab education boards will introduce biometric attendance verification for students appearing in the 2026 Matriculation and Intermediate examinations.
The decision was reviewed in a high level meeting held at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore, where officials discussed reforms to tighten the examination system.
The meeting was chaired by Task Force Committee Chairman Muzammil Mehmood. Senior officials from all nine boards across Punjab attended, including representatives from the Higher Education Department and Lahore Board.
Officials said biometric verification will be mandatory at examination centres. Students will be digitally verified before entering exam halls. Only registered candidates will be allowed to sit in exams. Proxy candidates will be blocked immediately.
Authorities admitted that cheating and identity fraud have damaged the credibility of board examinations over the years. Officials said the new system aims to close these gaps.
The meeting also reviewed the practical examination system, which officials acknowledged has long faced complaints. Issues of unfair marking, favoritism, and weak supervision were discussed.
Under proposed reforms, practical exams will be monitored more strictly. Standard assessment criteria will be introduced to ensure uniform marking across all boards.
Officials also discussed installing CCTV cameras inside laboratories during practical exams. Video monitoring is expected to curb cheating, outside interference, and recommendation culture.
A digital marking system for both theory and practical exams is also under consideration. Officials said electronic entry of marks would reduce manual interference and prevent tampering.
Another proposal includes increasing compensation for exam supervisors and staff. Authorities believe low pay makes staff vulnerable to pressure during exams.
Task Force Chairman Muzammil Mehmood warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone using bribery, political pressure, or personal influence to manipulate exam results.
Education officials said the reforms are meant to protect deserving students and restore confidence in the board system. They hope the 2026 exams will mark a shift toward transparency.
Meanwhile, Lahore BISE spokesperson Tahir Javed said technical guidelines and implementation plans will be shared with schools and examination centres well before the 2026 exam season.
