In many countries, exams are minimally supervised, but penalties for getting caught are extremely high
The integrity of education boards across Sindh has come into question in light of recently uncovered irregularities and controversial decisions regarding marking in exams. Meanwhile, reports of rampant cheating by students raise questions not only about the boards’ ability to conduct competitive exams, but what kind of morals we, as a society, are instilling in our children.
In many countries, exams are minimally supervised, but penalties for getting caught are extremely high — usually permanent dismissal for a first offence. Here, students who have been caught with written materials, electronic devices and stolen exam papers have all been allowed to reappear after a few years.
But what else is to be expected in a country where cheats are celebrated instead of condemned — cricket players being convicted of match fixing is proclaimed to be an international conspiracy and some have even managed to make it back into the national team, while the cricket board, which should have banned the players for life for dishonouring the national team, has often paid for their lawyers.
Cheating aside, it is not as if the examining bodies themselves have shown any competence. Widespread discrepancies in year-on-year grades for thousands of students sitting exams administered by the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi — including cases of top performers at matric-level faring disastrously at intermediate level — reflect the extent of the rot within.
We should also note that using grace marks to compensate for the discrepancy is no solution at all. Not only is the legality of grace marks questionable, but a non-uniform marking policy also belittles the accomplishments and hard work of high achievers who earned their grades.
If any faith is to be restored, the boards need to establish transparent and accountable governance structures, including regular independent audits of their examination and assessment processes. Or we can go the tried and tested way – bury our heads in the sand and wait for the next marking scandal.
Editorial published in the Express Tribune on 18 April 2025
