The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) is preparing to bring a major change in its examination system by shifting question papers away from memorization and towards concept-based learning. The proposal was discussed during a meeting with paper setters on Saturday as the board looks to improve the quality of exams and align them with modern educational practices.
The meeting, chaired by BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Soho, brought together teachers responsible for preparing papers in English, physics, chemistry and mathematics. The main focus was to redesign exam questions in a way that tests students’ understanding of subjects rather than their ability to reproduce memorized answers.
Participants agreed that future exam papers should encourage comprehension, analytical thinking and the practical application of knowledge. Instead of relying mostly on rote questions, the board plans to include questions that require students to explain ideas, interpret information and think critically.
To support this shift, the meeting also decided that papers should include a balanced distribution of questions with clear marking guidelines. Officials also proposed creating a bank of concept-based questions that can be used when preparing future exam papers.
Board chairman directed teachers to design questions that motivate students to focus on understanding basic concepts. According to him, such an approach can strengthen students’ intellectual development while also reducing the chances of cheating during examinations.
