In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has unveiled significant revisions to the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations. The forthcoming academic year will witness the elimination of conventional practical notebooks and viva voce components, marking a paradigm shift in the assessment structure for matric and intermediate students.
Set to be implement from the next academic year, the new policy introduces a practical-based assessment exam, replacing the traditional elements of practical notebooks and viva voce. The decision aims to address concerns related to the previous system, particularly instances of students acquiring pre-solved practical notebooks from markets.
Revised Policy For 2024 Exams:
Scheduled for April, the matric exams and May 2024’s HSSC (intermediate) exams will adhere to this innovative evaluation approach. The notification from the FBISE outlines that, for the transitional period of the 2024 examinations, certain amendments will applied. Instead of notebooks and viva voce, structured questions will incorporated into the practical exams.
Under the revised system, students will evaluated through these structured questions, with the marks originally allocated for practical notebooks and viva voce now redirected to this new format. This shift not only streamlines the examination process but also aims to encourage authentic practical work among students.
FBISE Chairman Qaiser Alam addressed the challenges of the previous system, citing reports of students obtaining solved practical notebooks from external sources. The emphasis on practical-based assessment exams intended to combat such issues and foster genuine practical engagement among students.
The initiative has garnered support from the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), an organization encompassing all national boards. The IBCC recently passed a resolution urging boards to enhance their practical exam systems. Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, the Executive Director of IBCC, commended the FBISE for its proactive stance and expressed optimism that other boards would follow suit, thereby making their practical exams more effective and resistant to malpractices. This move signals a progressive shift towards a more secure and robust examination system, ensuring a fair and authentic evaluation of students’ practical skills.
