The Punjab government has announced that 8th grade examinations will begin from the second week of March, introducing computerized paper checking for the first time in Pakistan.

Authorities say the move aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the examination process.

According to officials, the exams will continue for only two to three days. Students will appear in three to four subjects during the examination period.

The results will be released on March 31 after completion of the computerized checking process.

The Punjab government has allocated Rs1.6 billion for conducting the 8th grade exams. The financial allocation covers arrangements, staffing, and implementation of the new digital evaluation system.

First computerised paper checking

For the first time in the country, answer sheets will be checked through a computerized system. Officials say this initiative will reduce human error, speed up result compilation, and ensure greater transparency in marking.

The Punjab Assessment and Examination Commission (PACT) has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for examination staff.

Under the new arrangements:

School heads will serve as resident inspectors.
Senior school teachers will perform duties as superintendents.
Primary and elementary school teachers will act as test administrators.

Examination staff for all centers will be selected through an online system.

Strict rules for staff appointments

Authorities have imposed a ban on appointing superintendents and test administrators in their own schools to ensure impartiality.

One test administrator will be appointed for every 40 students. Female staff will be deployed at student centers to facilitate smooth arrangements.

To strengthen monitoring, tehsil focal persons or inspectors will be required to carry Android phones to scan barcodes of examination materials.

The selection of examination staff for centers will also be carried out through an online system to maintain transparency.

Transparency and efficiency

The introduction of computerized paper checking, digital monitoring, and clear SOPs reflects the Punjab government’s effort to modernize the examination system.

With exams scheduled to conclude within days and results announced by March 31, authorities aim to ensure a smooth, fair, and timely evaluation process for thousands of 8th grade students across the province.