LAHORE: The Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) has announced conducting the quality assurance test (QAT) for all Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) partner schools aimed at enhancing the quality of education.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure standardised testing procedures and facilities across the province.

PEF is running hundreds of primary, middle and high partner schools in the province. To support these schools, PEF provides financial assistance, paying Rs650 per student from nursery to class II; Rs750 for students in classes III, IV and V; Rs800 for middle school students, and Rs1,000 for high school students.

According to a formal letter issued by Multan District Education Authority (DEA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Safdar Hussain on Jan 31, the QAT centres will be set up at public schools within a five-km radius of PEF partner schools.

The written QAT will be centre-based, accommodating a maximum of 200-250 students per centre, while the oral QAT for nursery/prep, grades 1 and 2, will be conducted at the respective PEF partner schools.

The letter emphasises the need for sufficient space, furniture, drinking water, internet and other facilities at each QAT centre to ensure a conducive testing environment.

Additionally, specific criteria has been set for the selection and duties of test administrators (TAs) and the centre superintendent.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to providing a standardised, high-quality education to all students,” said Safdar Hussain.

“We believe that these measures will help us achieve our goal of a more robust and effective education system.”

A spokesperson for PEF stated that the government conducts the QAT every year in PEF partner schools to ensure the quality of education.

“Students of partner schools must clear the test comprehensively; otherwise, the partnership is cancelled. For the first instance of failure, the PEF issues a warning to the school owner. If the failure occurs second time, the PEF cuts 50 per cent of the fee. On the third instance, the partnership with the school is cancelled,” the spokesperson explained.

Education experts and officials have highlighted the potential of this initiative to create a more equitable and efficient education system for all students.

“This step by the Punjab government is a significant development towards the improvement of education standards in the region,” noted an education expert.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2025