Pakistan’s examination system is set for a major digital shift as the Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has introduced an e-marking software across all educational boards nationwide. The initiative, starting with a pilot on computer science papers, aims to improve transparency, fairness, and efficiency in exam assessment and eventually replace traditional manual marking.
According to IBCC, the e-marking software has been provided free of cost to all provincial and federal education boards, including those in Punjab. The commission has directed authorities to implement the system “in letter and spirit,” signaling a nationwide transition toward digital evaluation.
Under the pilot phase, only computer subject papers will be marked electronically. After successful completion, authorities plan to expand e-marking to all subjects, meaning examiners will assess scanned answer sheets instead of physical copies.
An IBCC official stated that the move will standardize marking and minimize human errors and malpractice, ensuring uniform academic assessment across the country.
The digital initiative follows recent reforms by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore to strengthen examination integrity after complaints of irregular marking and weak oversight in practical exams.
The board has already introduced centralized marking for 9th-class practicals and mandatory practical assessments. CCTV cameras are also being installed in laboratories to monitor exams and prevent unfair practices.
Additionally, Lahore Board has begun implementing e-marking for theory papers, where students write on special e-sheets that are scanned and converted into digital format for evaluators.
Education experts believe nationwide e-marking will reduce result delays, curb examiner bias, and create a transparent digital record of assessments. The reform aligns Pakistan’s examination system with global best practices and could pave the way for fully digital examinations in the future.