KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced the implementation of a modern watermarking system to curb cheating and paper leaks during upcoming examinations. This new technology will allow authorities to immediately trace the source of any leaked paper. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahoo. The meeting, attended by chairmen of all educational boards across Sindh, reviewed preparations for the new academic year’s exams, including security, furniture, water supply, and electricity issues at centers.
For the first time, a watermarking system will be used to identify culprits in case of paper leaks. Regarding the rollout of E-marking, Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad divisions will conduct all exams via this system, while the Larkana Board will implement it for 8 papers. In Karachi, all 9th-grade papers and two Matriculation papers will be graded through E-marking.
Exams for grades 9 to 12 are scheduled to begin on April 7 across the province, with over 1.35 million students appearing at more than 1,600 examination centers. Specifically in Karachi, 9th and 10th-grade exams start on April 7, followed by 11th and 12th-grade exams on April 25. In Sukkur, 9th and 10th-grade exams will commence earlier on March 30.
To ensure transparency, Section 144 will be imposed at all centers, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited. A central Complaint Cell will be established at the Secretary Boards’ office to monitor vigilance teams. Minister Ismail Rahoo warned that Board Chairmen would face “strict action” if a paper leak occurs under their jurisdiction. He also directed relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply and the provision of basic facilities like clean drinking water at all centers.
