THE imperative need for comprehensive reform in the syllabus that has been designed for the Secondary School Teacher (SST) examination by the

Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) cannot really be overemphasised. It is of critical value on several counts.

Acknowledging the commission’s commitment to upholding educational standards and selecting highly qualified candidates, it is crucial to address a set of alarming concerns that require immediate rectification.

Foremost among these concerns is the glaring issue in the current distribution of subjects, particularly within the ‘general’ category. The inclusion of both Sindhi and Urdu subjects poses a significant challenge. This duality unfairly places candidates at a marked disadvantage, especially those whose proficiency varies between the two languages.

As a result, candidates stand to lose a staggering 20 per cent of their marks, leading to an assessment that is inherently biased. To remedy this, the SPSC should consider offering either Urdu or Sindhi within the ‘general’ category, thereby ensuring an equitable playing field for all candidates.

Similarly, a troubling gap in the ‘science’ category has been related to Computer Science and Biology. A significant number of students opt to study Computer Science over Biology during their IX grade curriculum. Consequently, academically proficient Computer Science students confront unnecessary difficulties during the examination.

The commission should reconsider the syllabus, fostering a more inclusive approach that accommodates all prospective candidates, particularly those who are unemployed and require a broader range of subjects to choose from.

Moreover, the challenges associated with the category selection process on the commission’s website needs to be addressed. Past candidates have encountered persistent technical issues leading to inadvertent errors in category selection.

Many have mistakenly opted for the ‘general’ category instead of the ‘science’ category, and vice versa, due to website malfunctions. This predicament has left candidates distressed and uncertain about their assessment. It is imperative that the SPSC promptly rectifies these technical issues and enhances the website’s functionality to provide a just and fair opportunity to all candidates.

The intention in raising these concerns about the current SST examination syllabus is not to undermine the commi- ssion’s dedication, but to strengthen the educational system and render the examination process accessible and equitable.

The SPSC management should seriously reconsider the allocation of subjects within the categories, and urgently address the technical glitches affecting category selection on the website.

It is firmly believed that by doing so, the commission can establish a more just and inclusive examination process, allowing all candidates to demonstrate their true potential.

The relevant authorities should take prompt and resolute steps to address these pressing concerns. Together, efforts can contribute to the establishment of a more equitable and inclusive educational system.

Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023