The Punjab government has withdrawn the authority of examiners present at centres to award full marks in board practical examinations.
Under the new policy, the written portion of practical exams will be checked through a centralised marking system by the respective education boards. The decision will apply to all educational boards across Punjab.
Officials said the previous practice, under which recommendations and preferential marking could influence practical exam results, has been curtailed.
Under the revised system, the 30 marks allocated for practical examinations will be divided into two parts. The written answer sheet of the practical exam will now be marked directly by the board.
Examiners present at the centres will award only limited marks for viva and practical performance. The authority of centre-based examiners to award marks will therefore remain significantly restricted.
The new policy will apply to practical examinations in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer studies. Task Force Committee for Boards Chairman Muzammil Mahmood said merely formal or oral practicals will no longer remain acceptable.
He added that marks in practical examinations will now be awarded strictly on merit.
