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–Punjab authorities intensify action against cheating in matriculation exams, targeting students and staff alike
BeNewz Report
RAWALPINDI: Punjab has launched a strict crackdown on cheating during the 2026 matriculation exams, with authorities across multiple cities apprehending students and investigating school staff. According to officials, advanced technology and rigorous monitoring have exposed major cheating incidents this year.
In Rawalpindi, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education caught 20 students in two days. The largest case occurred at a center in Basali, where 16 students were caught red-handed. Additional incidents were reported in Talagang, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, and Kallar Syedan, identified through CCTV surveillance.
Examination authorities credited real-time monitoring from control rooms with preventing further misconduct. Controller Tanveer Asghar Awan visited several centers, and all cases have been forwarded to the board’s disciplinary branch under Unfair Means Cases.
In Lahore, the board apprehended eight students attempting to cheat or use fake roll number slips. Investigations also target a school teacher allegedly involved in issuing fraudulent slips. In Jhang and Jehlum, a viral video showing exam cheating led to the suspension of three teachers. The Punjab Education Department stated that further action will follow under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability Act, the primary law for holding government employees accountable.
Authorities said this year’s anti-cheating measures are the strictest ever, including CCTV cameras, biometric attendance, and QR code scanning. Sensitive exam centers have additional flying squads for immediate response to any irregularities. Nearly 2.8 million students are taking matric exams across Punjab, prompting extensive coordination between district administrations, police, and educational boards to ensure exam integrity.
Education experts noted that cheating has long undermined Pakistan’s academic standards and merit system. While technology has helped reduce malpractice in recent years, they emphasized that ongoing monitoring and strict policies remain essential.
Under directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a zero-tolerance policy is in effect. Students caught cheating, along with complicit staff, face immediate disciplinary action. Authorities stressed that no one is above the law. Students are urged to follow ethical exam practices, as cheating can not only nullify results but also affect future academic and professional opportunities.
Punjab’s crackdown reflects the government’s commitment to transparency in the examination system, aiming to uphold merit and public confidence in educational assessments.
