Sardar Shah calls for quality-based assessment by exam boards

Sindh Minister for Education and Mineral Development Syed Sardar Ali Shah emphasized the need to shift students’ focus from the “race for marks” to the process of learning in order to achieve better outcomes in the education system.

He stated that there is a need for quality-based assessment in examination boards rather than focusing solely on quantity. He remarked that the examinations conducted by the boards this year will also serve as a test of their own system, which will help determine whether to involve the private sector for third-party assessments in the future.

He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar organized by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) regarding the “Model Assessment Framework.”

The seminar, held at the auditorium of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, was attended by IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, former director General Academics Islamabad Dr Naeem Khalid, Dawood University Vice-Chancellor Dr Samreen Hussain, IBCC Chairman Syed Sharaf Ali Shah, and chairpersons, teachers, and stakeholders from various public and private boards across the country.

Speaking as the chief guest, the provincial minister stressed that the use of technology is essential for third-party assessments, as better assessments can help improve the education system. He pointed out that currently, the same person teaches and checks the papers, and third-party assessments are necessary to objectively evaluate and enhance the education system. He added that the method of assessment needs further improvement.

He proposed eliminating the condition of board percentage requirements for university admissions to reduce the pressure of marks on students. He explained that removing this condition would allow students to focus more on learning and less on rote memorization.

Shah highlighted the sensitivity of third-party assessments by referencing medical college admission tests, where initially no institution was willing to conduct them. However, one institution IBA Sukkur maintained its credibility and set an example.

He reiterated that this academic year would test the boards’ own systems to determine whether to engage private sector assistance for future examinations. The provincial minister also noted that Sindh supports every good initiative from the federal government but urged increased collaboration for the development of education. He emphasized the need to increase grants for universities in Sindh, as they are facing severe financial difficulties.

At the event, IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah explained that the IBCC serves as a platform for chairpersons and chief executives of member examination boards and affiliated institutions. Its mandate includes exchanging information, developing policies for joint implementation, transforming the examination system with modern techniques, and enhancing the capacity of teachers and examination staff.

He further clarified that to address deficiencies and improve assessment methods, the IBCC has developed the Model Assessment Framework for secondary and higher secondary levels in collaboration with federal and provincial departments. He noted that 29 public and private examination boards across the country are part of the IBCC’s consultative forum. The goal is to make the examination process for classes 9 to 12 more effective and aligned with global standards of the 21st century.