KARACHI, April 16: Matric examinations will begin from Tuesday (today) starting with the paper of English compulsory. As many as 141,780 students will appear for the examinations at 415 centres set up across the city.

Officials of the Board of Secondary Examination said that class nine exams will start from May 15 in the city, whereas in the interior of Sindh combined examinations of class nine and ten would take place.

In the science group 103,300 students will appear in the examinations, while in the general group regular 32,000 and for general group private 6,480 students will appear in the examinations.

The authorities have imposed a ban on carrying cell phones into the examinations centres.

“Punitive action would be taken against students who are found in possession of or using cell phones in the examination hall,” said an official of the board.

A complaint centre having phone number 6617990 has been set up in the premises of the Board Office, where complaints can be lodged.

The board has constituted 75 vigilance teams, which would visit different examination centres across the city to keep a check on unfair means. In addition 10 super vigilance teams have also been constituted by the authorities.