THIS is with reference to the report `House committee formed to investigate BIEK exam results` (Jan 14). Since the last Sindh caretaker chief minister`s decision to award grace marks to unsuccessfulstudents ofthe Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) in 2024 after a protest by some political parties, the BIEK has been under severe criticism by different segments of society. After the announcement of first year annual results recently, the board`s credibility is once again being questioned.

The BIEK is an examination conducting body. Paper setters and modifiers are senior and seasoned subject experts.

Syllabus/course is not determined by the BIEK. Invigilation teams during examinations comprise senior professors, representatives of the provincial government, and the national media monitors the process.

Work of codification and assessment is also carried outby professors or subject experts under the supervision of head examiners. The board compiles results after cross-checking manual results with computerised tabulation. It is primarily the duty of the board to announce results after compilation and completion of all codal formalities within the stipulated time given by the steering committee.

There is also a misperception about scrutiny that should be cleared. The process does not mean re-assessment.

It is basically about re-totalling, and making sure that no part of the answer sheet has remained unassessed. There may have been some nexus between some BIEK employees with agents that may has resulted in the current fiasco, but it does not mean that the BIEK as an institution is involved.

However, there is a need to make things more transparent and smooth. For that, the authorities concerned should immediately appoint chairmen, secretaries and controllers of good reputation in all boards across Sindh,forthe boardshave been working on an ad hoc basis for the last several years.

To clear the doubts among the candidates as well as their parents, the BIEK should make arrangements immediately to show answer scripts to them. This should be done in the presence of subject experts and, if possible, media representatives.

Asif`Ahmed Khan Karachi