The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has held a meeting with paper setters of key subjects including English, physics, chemistry, and mathematics to discuss reforms aimed at improving the quality of examination papers and aligning them with modern educational standards.

The meeting was chaired by Ghulam Hussain Soho and focused on shifting examination patterns away from traditional rote-learning methods toward assessments that evaluate students’ conceptual understanding and practical application of knowledge.

During the discussion, participants agreed that future exam papers should emphasize comprehension, analytical skills, and higher-order thinking instead of relying primarily on memorized answers. To support this shift, the board plans to introduce balanced weightage for questions, clearer marking rubrics, and a structured bank of concept-based questions that can be used in future examinations.

Chairman Soho directed teachers to design papers that encourage conceptual learning, allowing students to focus on understanding fundamental ideas rather than memorizing prepared responses. He noted that a concept-based examination system would not only strengthen students’ intellectual development but could also help reduce the chances of cheating during exams.

The meeting also decided that the paper-setting process will now take place under the supervision of the BSEK chairman and the controller of examinations to improve transparency and maintain higher academic standards. Teachers involved in preparing question papers will also receive travel allowances for their participation in the process.

According to the chairman, the board plans to continue regular consultations with paper setters starting next year to ensure ongoing reforms in the examination system. The goal is to gradually bring exam preparation and evaluation methods in line with modern educational practices and global assessment standards.