The federal government is weighing a fresh push to bring all examination boards in the country on to a modern, technology-driven footing, using the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education as a working model.
The idea is not new. Between 2015 and 2018, the federal government upgraded the FBISE under a Rs50 million project titled “Modernisation and Standardisation of Examination System”.
The initiative, conceived under then planning minister Ahsan Iqbal, focused on improving exam conduct, assessment and data handling through technology. Official records show the project was completed within three years and met all of its targets.
Following its completion, the government at the time had planned to extend the same system to other boards across Pakistan. That plan, however, lost momentum after the change of government in 2018. Documents show that several meetings of a steering committee, which included representatives from all provinces, were held during 2018 and 2019, but no concrete progress followed.
An official familiar with the matter said the project was eventually dropped in 2019 after the new administration did not place it high on its agenda and provinces also failed to show strong interest.
The proposal has now resurfaced under circumstances that officials believe are more favourable. Ahsan Iqbal is once again heading the Planning Ministry, while Dr Ikram Ali Malik, who oversaw the original FBISE project, is currently serving as the board’s chairperson.
According to officials, the government now wants to offer the same facilities and technology to all 30 examination boards operating across the country. The FBISE has already prepared concept papers for the new initiative and is expected to brief the planning minister soon. The working paper puts the estimated cost at Rs2 billion.
Under the proposed plan, three fully equipped data centres will be set up in the provinces. The project also includes scanners and computers for digitising answer scripts, customised software, delivery systems and staff training.
Dr Malik said the FBISE has already begun extending technical support to other boards on government instructions. He noted that training workshops have been held and technology is being shared, but added that full implementation would require new funding and manpower.
He said the proposed project builds on all components of the earlier FBISE initiative, while adding new features such as the use of artificial intelligence in assessment, verbal communication testing, professional certification in educational assessment, academic and resource audits, post-examination analysis and the publication of examiner reports.
According to Dr Malik, the ministries of planning and education are working closely with the FBISE, and provinces have shown enthusiasm for modernising their boards.
The renewed focus on reform also received public backing recently when State Minister for Federal Education Wajiha Qamar, addressing an FBISE workshop, called for technology-led changes to make examinations more transparent, credible and student-focused. She said the government would continue to support boards as they move towards digital transformation.
