Karachi Board’s Decision Puts Future of 175,000 Students at Risk

The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) is facing intense criticism over its handling of the Class IX Science and General group results, following the board’s decision to publish only pass/fail outcomes without detailed mark sheets. More than 175,000 students remain uncertain of their actual scores and percentages, sparking frustration among students, parents and educators. 

Missing Mark Sheets Fuel Confusion

The results, announced last week, showed only whether students passed or failed each subject—no subject-wise marks or overall total were shared. According to BSEK officials, full mark sheets will not be released for at least two more weeks, preventing students from calculating their percentages or applying to higher secondary institutions.

Digitalization Claims Questioned

The situation comes amid claims by BSEK of moving toward digital reforms including e-marking and a new grading system. The board’s chairman, Ghulam Hussain Saho, attended a meeting of Karachi’s education boards focused on assessment digitization, yet BSEK has failed even to deliver basic transparency in its result process. 

Institutional Mis-management Highlighted

Inside sources revealed that BSEK’s IT manager, Muhammad Irfan, left for Islamabad immediately after the result announcement, leaving the newly-hired IT analyst, Sain Dad, without support or authority to manage technical issues. Controller of Examinations, Hamza Tagar in office only three months admitted the problems, promising marks would be available “within a week”.

Educators and Parents Express Alarm

Prominent education stakeholders have criticised BSEK’s approach. Haider Ali, chairman of the All Private Schools and Colleges Association, compared the board to Punjab’s education system and international bodies like Cambridge Assessment International Education, which issue provisional mark sheets immediately. “Here, not only are the marks withheld even the total score is hidden. It’s completely unjustifiable,” he said. 

E-Marking Roll-out Fails

Although the board invested millions in e-marking compatible sheets, it emerged that the Class IX Science Group mathematics papers were marked manually, a reversal that raises questions about BSEK’s commitment to modernization. 

What’s at Stake for Students

• Without subject-wise marks, students are unable to apply for selective institutions or scholarships that require percentages.

• Delays have created anxiety and uncertainty in families as college admissions loom.

• The incident undermines trust in the board’s processes and reflects broader concerns around governance in education.

Steps Forward

BSEK claims it is resolving technical issues and will release full mark sheets shortly. In response to pressure, the Controller of Examinations stated he has instructed IT staff to expedite the process. Educators are calling for a transparent timeline, external audits of the result system, and the immediate implementation of the promised e-marking system.

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