Karachi: As many as 158,869 students appeared in the matriculation exams that began in Karachi on Tuesday, with the board using computerized admit and enrollment cards for the first time in an effort to curb cheating.

The government has imposed Section 144 around 448 centres – including 254 for boys and 195 for girls – to overcome the problem of cheating that is rampant at examination centres.

The students on Tuesday appeared for the computer studies paper. No complaints relating to load shedding were found in centres. However, the exam paper was ‘leaked’ online 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam.

Senior officials of the Matric Board - including Chairman Syed Sharf Ali Shah, exam secretary and others - made snap visits at school to ensure exams and invigilation was going as planned.

In their visit to North Nazimabad’s Comprehensive Girls and Children Boys’ schools, they expressed satisfaction with the examination.

Cheating curbs

Last week, the board chairman told Aaj News that the introduction of digitized admit and enrollment cards in the education system was part of a sustained effort to overcome cheating. The appointment of vigilance officers at exam centres and affirmation from the centre controlling officer were also part of such efforts.

Shah had said the centre’s name would also appear on the question paper from next year.

Paper “leaked” in Benazirabad, Jacobabad, Larkana

There were reports of exam questions and papers being “leaked” in Benazirabad, Jacobabad and Larkana, Aaj News reported.

Schools also reported power outages during the examination despite multiple requests to ensure power supply during the hours when students were sitting for the exam.