Postponement of Intermediate Exams Looms in Sindh
The inexperience of the Sindh caretaker government has thrown the education sector into disarray, causing significant delays in announcing matriculation and intermediate exam results for the Karachi board. This haphazard approach is profoundly impacting hundreds of thousands of students.
In Karachi, the results for class 9 in both science and general groups are still pending. Meanwhile, the inter-year 1 results are in constant flux due to frequent changes within the board. This uncertainty is causing immense mental distress for approximately 200,000 students in classes 9 and 11. Moreover, concerns are surfacing about potential exam paper postponements for the Inter supplementary exams, with worries tied to the impending general elections.
The annual matriculation (9th and 10th) exams in Karachi took place in May 2023, followed by the inter-year 11th class exams in July. Yet, the matriculation board hasn’t released class 9 results, and the intermediate board is yet to finalize class 11 results.
Reports indicate that the matriculation board has the results ready for class 9 science and general groups. However, a shortage of invigilators to sign off on the results has halted the process. Adding to the complexity, the Sindh government’s decision to eliminate invigilator exams has further complicated matters. Despite a month passing, no officer has been appointed as the examinations’ moderator, prolonging the result release.
Professor Sharaf Ali Shah, Chairman of the Secondary Education Board Karachi, admits to being informed about the issue repeatedly. Nevertheless, due to ongoing queries and unresolved matters, despite readiness, the results remain unreleased.
About 100,000 Karachi students anxiously await their class 9 results, unaware of their performance after seven months. The lack of clarity on passed papers, readiness for class 10 preparation, and the potential consequences of failure are causing significant distress among these students.
Meanwhile, at the Inter Board Karachi, Commissioner Karachi Saleem Rajput has introduced organizational changes, appointing Deputy Controller Zahid Rashid and Deputy Secretary Haroon Rashid to oversee daily operations for two weeks. However, results for all 11th-class faculties are facing delays, intensifying stress among first-year students. Assessment of examination papers, including English, is ongoing, and completion of evaluations for Commerce Regular subjects remains uncertain.
The initially slated start date of January 15, 2024, for the Inter supplementary exams, is now in jeopardy due to the upcoming general elections on February 8. A potential delay in the supplementary exams could force rescheduling, adversely impacting students eagerly anticipating their first-year results.