KARACHI: The annual Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams —matriculation part 1 and 2 — will commence across Sindh from May 8.

The examinations will be conducted in two shifts for which the schedules have already been announced.

In Karachi, a total of 393,264 candidates belonging to science and general groups, including regular and private students, will appear in the exams to be conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK).

Speaking at a press conference at his office on Friday, BSEK chairman Syed Sharaf Ali Shah shared that the board had established 524 exam centres in the metropolis. Of the total centres spread over the seven districts of Karachi, 279 are for male students and 245 for females.

The number of students appearing this year are relatively more than previous years.

Minister Rahoo asks KE to ensure uninterrupted power supply at all exam centres

It was also said that each examination centre will display clear instructions regarding conduct during the exams. Any type of electronic device such as a mobile phone or any cheating material is not allowed within the premises of the exam centres.

The BSEK has also issued letters to the commissioner of Karachi, Rangers director general, city police chief, directorate of education and private schools and other departments for extending foolproof security during the examinations.

Apart from the enforcing of Section 144, photocopying machines are also to remain off and closed for any work during the exam time.

Also, the BSEK claimed to have devised an efficient system for the delivery of examination question papers and answer sheets to the hub centres by the officers of the board from where the centre superintendent and their representatives will receive the sealed papers with the authority letter to take them to their respective centres.

Meanwhile, a vigilance officer and his team for each centre will reach there for monitoring half an hour before each exam to remain there throughout till the end. The officer will also be preparing a report regarding the conduct of each exam on a daily basis for the reporting cell.

Acting BSEK Secretary Syed Mohammed Ali Shaiq and acting supervisor of examinations Habibullah Suhag were also present on the occasion.

Facilities for students, increased security ordered

Universities and Boards Minister Mohammed Ismail Rahoo has asked the federal government and K-Electric to look into having an uninterrupted supply of electricity during the exams as having no power then will add to the burden and misery of the students in this heat.

He also said the officers in charge of the examination centres will provide cool drinking water to the students and security will be tightened inside and outside the examination centres to prevent the “copy culture”.

He said vigilance teams have been formed for all examination centres while there will be a ban on the use of mobile phones by teachers and students at the examination centres.

Section 144 of the criminal procedure code has also been enforced around the examination centres during examinations in all divisions of the province. Any student, if caught cheating, will be immediately disqualified and not allowed to sit for the exams.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2023