Sindh imposes zero-tolerance policy on exam cheating, warns of lifetime ban

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to impose a strict crackdown on cheating in matriculation and intermediate examinations, warning that students caught using unfair means could be permanently barred from board exams.

In a joint statement, Sindh Universities Minister Ismail Rahoo and Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah said a “zero tolerance” policy had been enforced to curb cheating in board examinations.

Under the new policy, students found guilty of cheating will have all their examination papers cancelled and may be permanently disqualified from appearing in future board exams, they said.

The ministers said that staff involved in facilitating cheating would face dismissal from service, while disciplinary action would be taken against invigilators, internal and external exam staff, and administrative officials found complicit.

Students found in possession of mobile phones or cheating material will be immediately expelled from the examination hall, they said, adding that surveillance at examination centres would be strengthened.

Authorities said that any interference in the examination process would be dealt with strictly as part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the board system.