Punjab implements digital exam marking and school inspection reforms

The Punjab government has announced a series of major reforms to its education system aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that manual exam checking will be phased out by next year in favor of an on-screen marking system designed to ensure consistency and fairness for students.

In addition to examination changes, authorities have launched a province-wide school inspection drive. Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) are required to conduct physical inspections of every school in their jurisdictions, reporting findings through a digital monitoring app. These inspections will evaluate teaching quality, facility conditions—including cleanliness, electricity, and water access—and compliance with security protocols, such as the functionality of CCTV cameras.

The reforms also include a shift toward Student Learning Outcome (SLO) based assessments and a new curriculum that may incorporate artificial intelligence. The government intends to use merit-based rewards and penalties to monitor and improve academic performance across educational institutions.