The Board of Secondary Education Karachi is facing criticism for its “outdated and unprofessional practices” following the release of Class IX results for the Science and General groups. Over 175,000 students are left in a state of confusion and distress, as BSEK has failed to provide detailed mark sheets, leaving them unaware of their actual scores.
The results, announced last week, only indicated whether students passed or failed in individual subjects, without providing subject-wise or total marks. BSEK has stated that detailed mark sheets will not be available for at least another two weeks, preventing students from calculating their overall percentage or standing.
This approach has drawn heavy criticism from students, teachers, and parents alike. It stands in stark contrast to modern assessment systems, such as those of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and the Punjab boards, which issue provisional mark sheets alongside results, clearly displaying both subject-wise and total marks.
In an ironic twist, the results announcement coincided with a meeting of Karachi’s education boards to discuss the digitalisation of assessments, including the introduction of e-marking and a new grading system.
BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Saho attended the meeting, where discussions focused on the future of digital assessments. However, despite claims of progress towards e-marking and computer-based evaluation, the board failed to provide even the most basic digital transparency in the release of results.
BSEK sources revealed that IT manager Muhammad Irfan accompanied the chairman to Islamabad immediately after the results were issued, leaving the recently hired IT analyst Sain Dad without adequate authority or direction. Controller of Examinations Hamza Tagar, who assumed his position just three months ago, acknowledged the systemic shortcomings.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Tagar stated, “We are aware of the issues and are working to resolve them. I have questioned the IT staff, and we are committed to ensuring that students will be able to access their marks within a week.”
Educationists have pointed out that this inefficiency reflects a broader issue of mismanagement within the board. Haider Ali, Chairman of the All Private Schools and Colleges Association, expressed his dissatisfaction: “In Punjab, when the first-year results are announced, students receive provisional mark sheets with subject-wise details immediately. Here, not only are the marks withheld, but even the total score is not disclosed — this is entirely unjustifiable.”
Further investigation by The Express Tribune revealed that the mathematics papers for the Class IX Science Group — which were initially intended to be assessed through the e-marking system — were instead checked manually. Despite investing millions of rupees in printing e-marking-compatible answer sheets, the board failed to make the necessary logistical arrangements or outsource the checking process. Consequently, the much-publicised e-marking initiative has effectively collapsed, wasting considerable public funds and adding to the frustration of students and parents.
Article Published in Express Tribune on October 24th, 2025.
