Punjab boards add 25% conceptual questions in matric, inter annual papers

LAHORE: The education authorities in Punjab have made major changes in the question paper pattern for the matric and intermediate annual examinations, which will come into effect from the annual examinations next year.

According to the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen, the papers for matric and intermediate classes of all nine boards will contain 25 percent analytical/conceptual questions to increase analytical skills in students.

In a notification, the Multan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) said that all education boards in Punjab have been directed to implement the decision and urged institutions and students to prepare accordingly.

Last year in June, the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen in a meeting agreed on several improvements in the current education/assessment system in the province.  At the meeting, it was decided to introduce a syndicate marking system in the SSC & HSSC annual examinations.

Furthermore, it was decided that the analytical/conceptual part of question papers would be 25% of all subject papers. The committee also instructed the education boards to organize meetings with the paper setters in this regard and generate 10 model papers for each subject.

Punjab education boards’ new paper structure

Last week, the Sindh government announced a new grading system for matric and inter students, replacing the traditional numbering system with the grades and GPA system.

Under the new system, formulated by the Inter-Board Coordination Committee (IBCC), students will be awarded grades based on their scores, ranging from ‘Exceptional’ for 95% and above to ‘Unsatisfactory’ for 40% and below.