LAHORE: Several candidates were caught using unfair means during the ongoing Class-IX annual examination at centres by inspection teams across Punjab on Monday.

Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat formed 10 special monitoring squads to conduct surprise visits to examination centres across the province to detect cheating.

During a raid in Bahawalnagar, the squad recovered cheating material from 42 students. The situation prompted authorities to summon the district’s chief executive officer (education) and the controller of examinations to the centre, while the entire staff present there was suspended on the spot.

Similar inspections in Multan and Muzaffargarh found four examination centres involved in facilitating cheating. The monitoring teams reported irregularities during their visits.

Taking immediate notice, the minister ordered the suspension of resident inspectors and deputy superintendents at the affected centres and directed that action be initiated under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act.

He said that no leniency would be shown to those found complicit.

The crackdown follows the deployment of more than 10 special squads across south Punjab, including Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar, to ensure transparency during ongoing examinations.

Earlier, the minister had warned students and invigilating staff against engaging in unfair practices, particularly on the day of the mathematics examination, stressing a “zero tolerance” policy towards cheating.

He said examination centres were under strict surveillance and surprise inspections could be carried out in any district.

Mr Hayat claimed that the authorities had eliminated the “cheating culture” in the province and would not allow it to re-emerge.

He also cautioned that students and others found involved in malpractice would be held responsible for the consequences, adding that ensuring transparency in examinations remained the government’s top priority.

In Lahore, a major operation was conducted to ensure transparency during the ongoing examinations.

BISE Lahore Controller of Examinations Tauseefur Rehman conducted surprise raids at various examination centres, catching several candidates red-handed while using unfair means.

During the mathematics paper, the controller personally inspected multiple centres and caught several candidates for cheating and UMCs were registered against all the accused candidates.

Meanwhile, BISE Lahore increased examination chances for students to pass Secondary School and Intermediate examinations from four to six.

Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen (PBCC) Board of Governors (BOG) issued the directive and approval in its meeting held on May 2, 2026.

It increased the number of attempts allowed to pass Secondary School and Intermediate examinations from four to six. This decision applies to candidates of the 2022-2024 academic sessions and onwards.

In light of this development, the competent authority has granted a special extension for candidates who wish to avail themselves of these additional chances for the Intermediate Annual Examination 2026. Eligible students are now permitted to submit their admission forms with a single fee until May 11, 2026.

BISE Lahore spokesperson said this initiative is designed to provide maximum academic flexibility to students, ensuring they have ample opportunity to complete their certifications. All concerned candidates are advised to utilise this facility within the stipulated time frame to avoid late transitions or additional costs.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026