Anyone who has studied in a government or private school in Pakistan knows that before exams, students often ask their teachers which topics are most likely to appear. It’s a common practice, and teachers also guide students by highlighting important questions. This method helps students focus on essential topics rather than preparing the entire syllabus.
The Popularity of BISE Lahore Board Guess Papers
When students move to higher classes like the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, they heavily rely on past papers. Punjab Board guess papers, past papers, and model papers are widely available in the market and online. These materials include exam questions from the past three, five, or even ten years, often with answers. While not part of textbooks, these answers comprehensively cover subject matter, making them an attractive alternative to studying the full syllabus.
The Downside of Guess Papers
While Punjab Board guess papers provide students with an easy way to prepare for exams, they also lead to a significant problem—students skipping textbooks. Many students choose to only study past papers instead of covering their complete syllabus. This trend is affecting the education system as it limits students’ critical thinking abilities and deep understanding of subjects.
BISE Lahore Bans Guess Papers on Social Media
Considering this negative impact, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has taken strict action. Teachers are now banned from uploading Punjab Board guess papers, past papers, and exam-related materials on social media. This move aims to discourage students from prioritizing guess papers over textbooks.
A letter issued by BISE Lahore states that this practice is now considered a crime under the amended Act of 1999. Those caught uploading or distributing guess papers on social media can face imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of Rs50,000.
Despite the crackdown, bookshop owners report that medical and engineering students continue to buy model papers. Some teachers argue that reliance on guess papers limits students’ intellectual growth and hinders their ability to think critically. However, students believe that past papers provide an essential guide for exam preparation.
While Punjab Board guess papers are helpful, over-reliance on them can negatively impact learning. BISE Lahore’s new regulations aim to restore the importance of full syllabus preparation, ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of their subjects. The question remains—will students adapt to this change, or will they find new ways to access these materials?
