KARACHI – The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) officially commenced the annual examinations for 9th and 10th grades today. The exams cover both Science and General groups for regular and private candidates across the metropolitan city.
Exam Statistics and Logistics
According to board officials, approximately 385,529 students are appearing for the exams. To accommodate this massive number, 521 examination centers have been established across 18 towns in Karachi, operating in both morning and evening shifts. The distribution of exam materials began early this morning from the Matric Board office. To ensure security, 25 hubs have been set up across 18 towns for paper distribution. Board officers are personally delivering papers to these hubs, from where Center Control Officers transport them to specific centers. These officers will remain on-site until the conclusion of the paper to securely seal and return answer scripts to the Board Office under strict supervision.
Strict Measures Against Cheating
Chairman Matric Board has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding cheating and external interference. Section 144 has been imposed around all examination centers, and photocopy shops near centers are ordered to remain closed during exam hours. Students have been strictly warned that mobile phones are prohibited and any device found will be confiscated immediately. To further curb malpractice, exam papers now feature specific center watermarks. Special vigilance teams and a dedicated Reporting Cell at the Board Office are monitoring the process daily to ensure transparency and submit regular reports.
Today’s Schedule and Timing
The first day of examinations features Computer Studies (10th Grade) in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while General Science is being conducted in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Controller Matric Board, Ghulam Hussain Sahoo, confirmed that the duration for each paper is set at 3 hours.
Facilitation for Students
The board has formally requested K-Electric to exempt examination centers from load-shedding during these crucial hours. Additionally, the board has issued a directive to facilitate students who may arrive late or fail to reach their designated center on the first day due to unavoidable reasons; such students are permitted to take their exam at the nearest available center. Schools have also been advised to download the updated list of examination centers from the official website, as several locations were changed recently following specific requests.
