Lahore: In a groundbreaking move to ensure transparency in the annual matriculation exams, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has deployed face detection technology for the first time. Punjab Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, along with Chairman Task Force for Education Muzammil Mehmood, conducted surprise spot inspections at sensitive examination sites on Raiwind Road on Monday. During their visit, officials verified student identities using 3D barcodes before analysing exam preparations and gathering student feedback on the new procedures. Speaking on the initiative, Minister Hayat stated that the implementation of the enhanced monitoring system has effectively reduced exam misconduct incidences. "Raiwind Road examination centers were previously known for rampant cheating, but with our new measures, we have successfully curbed the cheating mafia by 90%, ensuring an unprecedented level of transparency in exams," he said. Official data show that reported cases of cheating have dropped from 15-20 per day the previous year to only 2-3 this year. The program supports the Punjab Chief Minister's goal of achieving complete examination system transparency by the following year. Technology-Driven Reforms In addition to face detection, recent technological advancements have improved the testing procedure at various stages: QR-Coded Roll Number Slips: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore issued its first QR-Coded Roll Number Slips using an online approach. The technology enables rapid access to personal data and includes verification measures that reduce the possibility of fraudulent activity. Automated Staff Deployment System: To prevent favoritism and malpractice, an automated system now assigns duties to examination staff impartially. Special Monitoring Teams: Dedicated monitoring teams have been deployed in key districts, including Daska, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore, to ensure fair examination practices. The 2025 matriculation exams, which began on March 4, will continue until March 24, with authorities remaining vigilant to uphold the integrity of the examination process. Controller of Examinations Zahid Mian emphasised that these reforms are intended to create a more secure and efficient examination experience for all students. With these technological advancements, Punjab is setting a new benchmark in education reforms, ensuring that students are evaluated on merit, free from external malpractices.