Sindh to introduce watermarking system to curb cheating ahead of exams

The Sindh government has decided to implement a watermarking system to prevent cheating in examinations, with Minister for Universities and Educational Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo saying that those involved in paper leaks will be immediately traced through the system. The announcement came during a meeting held under the chairmanship of Rahoo regarding preparations for examinations of the new academic year across Sindh. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Universities Muhammad Abbas Baloch, along with the chairmen of all educational boards of Sindh. The participants conducted a detailed review of security at examination centres, furniture, drinking water, prevention of cheating, along with the provision of electricity and other facilities. All board chairmen gave a briefing on the procurement of examination materials, tenders, and the budget situation. Rahoo said that in view of the current situation, examinations across Sindh will be held on their scheduled dates. A total of 1,353,258 students from grades nine to 12 will participate in examinations starting April 7, with more than 1,600 examination centres established across the province. In Karachi, examinations for grades 11 and 12 will begin on April 25, while those for grades 9 and 10 will start from April 7, Rahu said. In Sukkur Division, examinations for grades 9 and 10 will begin on March 30, and for grades 11 and 12 from April 15. Read: School exam results to be scrutinised The minister also announced the decision to establish a provincial-level complaint cell at the office of the secretary boards to ensure strict monitoring of examination centres and board vigilance teams. Further, he warned of strict action against board chairmen if any paper leaks occur. Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad divisions will conduct all examinations under e-marking, while Larkana Board will, for now, conduct eight papers from grades 9 to 12 under e-marking, Rahoo confirmed. In Karachi, all grade 9 papers and only two matriculation papers will be conducted through e-marking. Read More: Over 27k students take Grade VIII exams Rahoo directed that issues related to drinking water, furniture, and other facilities at all examination centres should be resolved immediately, and that letters be sent to the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, K-Electric, and other relevant institutions so that load-shedding at examination centres during the examination period may be avoided. The minister further announced that bringing mobile phones to examination centres will be banned, with Section 144 imposed at the centres. He said all resources will be utilised to ensure the transparent and timely conduct of examinations.