The Punjab government has officially announced the introduction of CCTV monitoring systems in examination halls to prevent cheating and ensure transparency in board examinations. This decision marks a significant step towards strengthening the credibility of the education system and addressing long-standing concerns related to exam misconduct, paper leaks, and unfair practices.
The announcement came after Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak assumed the acting charge of Chairman, Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi. Soon after taking office, he issued clear directives aimed at enforcing discipline, accountability, and merit in the examination process.
Education officials believe that technology-driven monitoring will help restore public confidence in examinations conducted by Punjab’s educational boards.
Zero Tolerance Policy Against Examination Malpractice
Following his appointment as acting chairman, Commissioner Aamir Khattak chaired a high-level meeting of BISE Rawalpindi at the Commissioner’s Office. The meeting was attended by senior board officials and district administration representatives.
During the meeting, Khattak announced a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of examination malpractice, including cheating, paper leaks, staff negligence, and favouritism.
Clear Warning to Officials and Staff
He warned that no leniency would be shown to individuals found involved in irregularities. Officials were instructed to strictly enforce examination rules and ensure equal treatment for all candidates.
To reinforce accountability, the acting chairman directed that all pending disciplinary cases related to examinations must be resolved within one week, ending prolonged delays that have often undermined disciplinary action in the past.
CCTV Monitoring in Exam Halls
The most important reform announced is the installation of CCTV cameras in examination halls, particularly at centres identified as sensitive.
Objectives of CCTV Surveillance
According to education authorities, CCTV monitoring will serve multiple purposes, including:
- Preventing cheating during examinations
- Monitoring the performance of invigilation staff
- Detecting suspicious behaviour in real time
- Providing recorded evidence in case of complaints
The cameras will operate throughout the examination period, ensuring continuous oversight without disrupting students.
Biometric Attendance at Marking Centres
In addition to CCTV surveillance, the Punjab government has decided to implement biometric attendance systems at all marking centres.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues in Marking
In previous years, complaints were frequently reported about:
- Proxy examiners marking papers
- Fake attendance records
- Unauthorised access to marking centres
The biometric system will ensure that only registered and approved examiners can enter marking centres. Officials believe this reform will significantly improve the accuracy, fairness, and credibility of the marking process.
Establishment of a Dedicated Examination Control Room
To further strengthen monitoring, Commissioner Khattak ordered the establishment of a dedicated examination control room.
Functions of the Control Room
The control room will:
- Monitor live CCTV feeds from examination centres
- Coordinate with district administrations
- Respond immediately to reports of cheating or paper leaks
- Ensure smooth conduct of exams across all centres
This centralised monitoring system is expected to improve response time and enhance coordination between education boards and local authorities.
Preparations for SSC and HSSC Examinations 2026
During the briefing, officials informed the acting chairman about preparations for the SSC-I and HSSC-I First Annual Examinations 2026.
Expected Student Strength
According to official estimates:
- 243,064 candidates are expected to appear in the SSC First Annual Examination 2026
- 157,856 candidates are expected for the HSSC First Annual Examination 2026
Given the scale of these examinations, authorities stressed that advanced monitoring systems are essential to ensure fair and orderly conduct.
Additional Measures to Improve Exam Transparency
Apart from CCTV and biometric systems, the Punjab government has announced several additional measures aimed at improving examination transparency.
Key Reforms Include:
- Enhanced monitoring of practical examination laboratories
- Strengthened oversight at marking centres
- Pre-exam training programmes for supervisory and invigilation staff
- Introduction of a new online bill-receiving system for exam staff
- Strict disciplinary action against examiners if marking errors or bias are proven
Officials said these measures would reduce administrative loopholes and improve efficiency.
Transparency Will Not Be Compromised
Commissioner Aamir Khattak reiterated that transparency and discipline would remain the top priorities of BISE Rawalpindi.
Firm Instructions for Fair Conduct
He instructed officials to:
- Ensure strict adherence to examination rules
- Maintain neutrality and fairness
- Report any irregularities immediately
- Prevent external influence in examination matters
Education experts believe that strong leadership and consistent enforcement will be critical to the success of these reforms.
Chairman Post Still Vacant at BISE Rawalpindi
The post of Chairman BISE Rawalpindi has remained vacant since October 17, following the completion of former chairman Mohammad Adnan Khan’s three-year term.
Acting Chairman Managing Affairs
Until a permanent appointment is made, Commissioner Aamir Khattak continues to serve as the acting chairman. The Punjab government has yet to announce a timeline for appointing a regular chairman.
Education circles have expressed hope that a permanent appointment will be made soon to ensure long-term policy continuity.
Punjab’s Shift Towards Technology-Based Education Governance
The decision to introduce CCTV monitoring and biometric verification reflects Punjab’s broader shift towards technology-based governance in education.
Part of Wider Education Reforms
The province has already announced plans to introduce digital examinations and online systems across educational boards. Officials believe that combining digital solutions with strict oversight can significantly reduce corruption and human error.
If implemented effectively, these reforms could serve as a model for other provinces.
Challenges Ahead
Despite widespread support for the reforms, experts caution that implementation will be key.
Potential Challenges Include:
- Maintenance of CCTV infrastructure
- Training staff to manage new systems
- Ensuring data privacy and security
- Preventing misuse of surveillance technology
Authorities acknowledge these challenges and say steps are being taken to address them.
Conclusion – Punjab Govt Announces CCTV Monitoring to Prevent Cheating in Exams
The Punjab government’s announcement of CCTV monitoring to prevent cheating in exams marks a decisive move towards transparent and merit-based examinations. With biometric attendance, centralised monitoring, and strict disciplinary measures, the government aims to eliminate long-standing weaknesses in the examination system.
While challenges remain, education stakeholders agree that effective implementation and accountability can significantly improve the credibility of Punjab’s board examinations and strengthen trust among students, parents, and institutions
Punjab government has announced CCTV monitoring and biometric attendance systems in examination halls and marking centres to prevent cheating and ensure transparency. Acting BISE Rawalpindi Chairman Aamir Khattak has ordered strict enforcement, central monitoring, and enhanced preparations for SSC and HSSC exams 2026.