Punjab Replaces Practical Exams With New MCQ-Based Assessment System
In a landmark move to reform the provincial education system, the Punjab government has announced the replacement of all practical examinations with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to ensure greater transparency and reduce exam malpractice.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat unveiled the new reform package, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the examination and assessment framework. He noted that after successfully curbing cheating in first-year exams, the government is now shifting its focus to a more concept-driven evaluation model.
“We are transforming the exam system to promote conceptual understanding instead of rote memorization,” the minister stated. “Only trained and qualified staff will be allowed to supervise exams to ensure complete fairness.”
| Reform Area | Key Transformation |
| 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 |
Under the new system, students will no longer be evaluated through traditional practical exams. Instead, performance-based MCQs will measure their understanding of key concepts. The government also plans to seek a constitutional amendment to allow the rechecking of exam papers, a long-standing demand from students.
Additionally, the fee for paper rechecking will be revised due to the expected high number of requests. To support this initiative, the daily allowance for invigilators has been increased to Rs. 5,000, and staff training will be made mandatory before anyone is permitted to supervise exams.
The government will also involve university teaching assistants to assist in the examination process, ensuring smooth implementation and better management across all centers.
According to the minister, both public and private institutions will collaborate with the government to execute these reforms province-wide. Education experts have lauded the move, calling it a “much-needed modernization” that aligns Punjab’s education system with international assessment standards.
The reforms mark a significant shift toward fair, transparent, and concept-based learning, setting a new direction for education in Punjab.
