Punjab to introduce biometric verification for 2026 board exams

Students appearing in the 2026 matriculation and intermediate examinations in Punjab will be required to undergo digital biometric attendance verification, as part of a broader plan to modernise the board examination system.

The decision was reviewed during a high-level meeting held at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore, where officials discussed a range of reforms aimed at improving transparency, monitoring, and assessment standards.

The meeting was chaired by Muzammil Mehmood, chairman of the Task Force Committee on Boards, and attended by senior officials including Additional Secretary Higher Education Boards Nauman Jameel, Lahore Board Secretary Rizwan Nazeer, Controller of Examinations Tauseef ur Rehman, as well as secretaries and controllers from all nine boards across Punjab.

Officials said biometric verification will ensure that only registered candidates are allowed to appear in examinations. Under the proposed system, students’ identities will be digitally verified at examination centres prior to entry, a move aimed at preventing impersonation.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to reform the practical examination system, which has faced criticism over inconsistent marking and weak oversight. Officials discussed introducing standardised assessment criteria to ensure uniform evaluation across boards.

To strengthen monitoring during practical exams, the installation of CCTV cameras in laboratories was proposed. Officials said video surveillance would help deter cheating, external interference, and undue influence.

In addition, authorities are considering the introduction of a digital marking system for both theory and practical examinations to reduce manual handling, prevent tampering, and minimise errors.

The meeting also discussed increasing remuneration for examination supervisors and staff, with officials noting that improved compensation could help reduce external pressure and encourage adherence to rules.

Task Force Committee Chairman Muzammil Mehmood said strict action would be taken against individuals found attempting to manipulate examination processes through bribery or influence.

Education officials said the reforms are expected to enhance transparency and credibility in the 2026 examination cycle across Punjab.