The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has introduced biometric attendance for candidates at sensitive examination centres ahead of matriculation examinations across Punjab, in a bid to crack down on impersonation and organised cheating.
More than 6,000 students appearing at high-risk centres are being verified through biometric systems ahead of the annual Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, which commence from March 27, with Class 10 exams scheduled to start first under the timetable approved by the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen.
“In sensitive examination centres, biometric attendance of candidates is being ensured to prevent impersonation and maintain transparency,” Lahore Board spokesperson Tahir Javed said, adding that the initiative was aimed at dismantling the so-called “booti mafia”, which are organised networks that facilitate cheating by providing solved answers or arranging impersonators for candidates during board examinations.
In addition to biometric verification, the examinations will also be monitored through CCTV cameras connected to online systems, allowing authorities to observe proceedings in real time through central control rooms. Officials say the setup will enable not only strict oversight of examination halls, but also allow for immediate action in case of any irregularities.
Millions of students across Punjab’s nine educational boards are expected to sit the examinations, conducted by the province’s nine educational boards: Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Managing such a large-scale examination process remains a challenge for the education department, with education experts noting that the large number of candidates and the network of examination centres across the province often make it difficult to completely eliminate cheating.
However, officials believe that the use of modern technology will significantly reduce malpractice and improve accountability during the examinations.
Education authorities remain hopeful that these initiatives, including surprise inspections by monitoring teams, will help restore public confidence in the matriculation examination system and ensure that results truly reflect the merit and hard work of students across Punjab.
The measures have been implemented on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. “The government is taking every possible step to eliminate cheating and ensure transparency in the examination system,” Javed said.