The Punjab board eSheet system has arrived in exam halls. Several education boards in Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Sargodha, have issued instructions for the new answer sheet format used in selected papers of the Inter second annual exam 2026. These sheets are scanned after the paper and checked by examiners on a computer screen through on-screen marking.
Students still write on paper, but a small mistake such as a wrong bubble, writing outside the box or using a gel pen can now cause real trouble during scanning. Here is a simple Punjab board eSheet guide for students, teachers and invigilators.
What Is the Punjab Board eSheet System?
Under the new system, each candidate gets a specially designed answer booklet with fixed spaces for every question. After the exam, the board scans the booklets, and examiners mark the scanned pages on screen instead of carrying bundles of paper copies.
BISE Lahore had announced the shift earlier this year and held training sessions for head examiners, sub-examiners, principals and students in October. Lahore Board named Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science and Statistics for the first phase, while BISE Gujranwala has shared an illustrated guide for Computer Science and Statistics papers.
Why Boards Are Moving to On-Screen Marking
- Faster results – no need to transport and store huge bundles of answer sheets.
- Fewer totalling errors – the software adds marks automatically.
- Better monitoring – supervisors can review marking quality digitally.
- Safer record – scanned copies reduce the risk of lost or damaged papers.
9 Rules to Fill the Punjab Board eSheet Correctly
The following steps are based on the guidance shared by the boards. Always follow the instructions printed on your own answer sheet, because page numbers can differ from board to board.
| Step | Rule | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use a blue ballpoint or fountain pen | Gel pen, marker or highlighter |
| 2 | Write roll number and fill its bubbles | Bubble does not match the digit |
| 3 | Fill name, paper code and other details | Details different from roll number slip |
| 4 | Darken MCQ bubbles fully | Tick, cross or half-filled bubble |
| 5 | Write short answers in fixed spaces | Answer under the wrong question number |
| 6 | Keep long answers in allotted pages | Answer spills into another section |
| 7 | Do not touch barcodes and margins | Writing over barcode or QR code |
| 8 | Use only the rough work page | Calculations on answer pages |
| 9 | Review the whole sheet before handing in | Blank or wrong roll number |
Pen, Roll Number and Personal Details
BISE Gujranwala’s guide asks candidates to use a blue ballpoint or fountain pen and clearly bans gel pens, markers and highlighters. Students must write their roll number in the boxes and then fill the matching bubble for each digit. Compare it with the roll number slip, because a wrong bubble can make it hard for the board to identify the sheet.
MCQ Bubbles and Short Questions
For objective questions, fully darken the correct bubble. Do not use ticks or crosses. In the Gujranwala format, short-question answers start on page 5 with separate spaces for Questions 2, 3 and 4, and long questions (Questions 5 to 9) begin on page 19.
Rough Work and Extra Sheets
Page 34 is reserved for rough work in the Gujranwala booklet, and the guide states that no additional answer sheets will be provided. So students must plan their answers and use the space carefully.
Role of Teachers and Invigilators
Teachers have a big role in making the Punjab board eSheet system work. Subject teachers should show students a sample eSheet and practise bubble filling in class. Invigilators should remind candidates at the start of every paper to check their pen, roll number and paper code. Head examiners and sub-examiners who attended the training must also guide colleagues who are new to screen-based marking.
What Students Should Do Before the Next Paper
- Buy two good blue ballpoint pens and keep gel pens at home.
- Read the instructions page of the answer booklet in the first five minutes.
- Practise writing answers within a fixed box at home.
- Do not write your name, phone number or any sign inside answer spaces.
- Spend the last five minutes checking every section.
Also Read: Iqbal Day Holiday 2026 – Punjab Schools Closed on November 9 | Punjab Private Schools Verification – Fake Enrolment Means Licence Cancelled | Supplementary Result 2026 Punjab Boards
Check your board’s official instructions on the BISE Lahore official website.
FAQs About Punjab Board eSheet
Which boards are using the eSheet system?
Boards including Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Sargodha have issued instructions about the eSheet format for selected Intermediate papers.
Can I use a gel pen on the eSheet?
No. BISE Gujranwala’s guide allows only a blue ballpoint or fountain pen and bans gel pens, markers and highlighters.
Will I get extra sheets if I run out of space?
According to the Gujranwala guide, no additional answer sheets will be provided, so answers must fit in the allotted pages.
Do students write on a computer?
No. Students write on the Punjab board eSheet with a pen as usual. Only the checking is done on screen after the sheets are scanned.