PESHAWAR: The representatives of private school associations have rejected the government’s decision to go away with the ninth grade board examination and introduce the board assessment examination for eighth grade from the next academic year and said the move would harm the cause of education in the province.

Leading the owners of private schools, National Education Council chairman Nazar Hussain told reporters at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday that it was unfortunate that the government had taken the exam decision without consulting stakeholders.

He said the board examination for eighth grade and composite exam for ninth and 10th grades would cause problems for schools, students and parents.

Mr Hussain said the new exam system had caused confusion and serious fears among students.

He said the holding exam of 16 subjects under the composite examination was tantamount to compromising the educational standards and damaging the entire examination system.

The NEC chairman said more and more students were committing suicide and fleeing home due to changes to the exam system and things would worsen.

He said the semester system existed in other countries but its introduction was opposed in Pakistan.

Mr Hussain said the students were taught only 180 days in an academic year under the current education system, while it would be impossible to introduce composite exam system.

He said the holding of board examination for eighth grade and composite exams for ninth grade was a crucial issue, so it should be discussed in the national and provincial assemblies in consultation with stakeholders.

The NEC chairman demanded of the chief minister, elementary and secondary education minister and other authorities to immediately withdraw the new exam system in the ‘best interest’ of students and education sector.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2019