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In a major education reform, the Punjab government has decided to replace all practical exams with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to improve transparency and curb cheating across examination centers.
After successfully controlling widespread cheating in first-year exams, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the next phase of reforms focusing on concept-based learning and fair assessment practices.
Under the new policy, practical exams will no longer be conducted; instead, performance-based MCQs will assess students’ understanding. The government will also seek a constitutional amendment to allow the rechecking of exam papers, a move long demanded by students.
| Reform Area | Key Changes Announced |
| Practical Exams | Replaced with MCQ-based assessment |
| Paper Rechecking | To be allowed via constitutional amendment |
| Recheck Fee | To be increased due to high volume of requests |
| Invigilators’ Allowance | Raised to Rs. 5,000 per day |
| Staff Training | Mandatory for all invigilators |
| Teaching Assistants | University TAs to assist in exams |
“We are transforming the exam system to promote conceptual understanding instead of rote memorization,” said Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat. Only trained and qualified staff will supervise exams to ensure complete fairness.”
The minister added that the government will collaborate with both public and private institutions to implement these reforms smoothly across Punjab.
Education analysts have welcomed the initiative, calling it a “much-needed modernization” of the provincial examination system, aligning it with global education standards and improving student evaluation quality.
