Lahore Board Launches E-Marking System for Class 9 Practical Exams

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore has introduced a digital transformation in its assessment framework by launching an e-marking system for Class 9 practical examinations. The reform aims to enhance transparency, eliminate irregularities, and standardize the evaluation process across examination centers.

According to Secretary Lahore Board Rizwan Nazeer, the decision was taken after repeated complaints regarding mismanagement and misuse of marks in practical exams. Previously, practical examiners had full discretion over 30 marks assigned to the practical component, which created concerns about inconsistencies and lack of oversight. Following directives from Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and Chairman Muzammil Mahmood, the board has replaced the traditional marking model with a centralized digital assessment system.

Under the new e-marking policy, the theory portion of practical papers will no longer be assessed solely by on-site examiners. Students will attempt their exams on specially designed E-sheets that contain fixed spaces for each question. After submission, answer sheets will be scanned and digitally segmented at a centralized marking center.

The system allows examiners to evaluate scripts remotely using secure login credentials, removing the need to physically attend marking centers. To maintain accountability and transparency, the board will monitor examiners in real time through camera supervision during the assessment process.

Instead of assigning complete answer sheets to a single examiner, the digital system distributes specific questions from multiple papers among different examiners. For example, an examiner may mark 10 or 50 responses to a single question drawn from various answer sheets. This structured distribution is expected to reduce workload, improve consistency, and enhance marking accuracy.

Additionally, surveillance cameras will be installed in laboratories during practical examinations to prevent mismanagement and ensure compliance with examination rules.

The board has confirmed that the first annual ICS (Intermediate in Computer Science) examination paper across Punjab will also be assessed through the e-marking system. Over the next two to three years, all examinations under the Lahore Board are expected to transition to digital marking, marking a significant step toward modernizing Punjab’s examination and evaluation framework.