Public schools lag behind because private admissions close early; Eighth grade exams raise concerns
RAWALPINDI:
All public and private schools in Rawalpindi division have reopened after a long 21-day break, restoring activities in previously subdued educational institutions.
On Wednesday, public schools announced the results of pending annual exams for classes from early years (pre-primary) to seventh grade. All students were declared passed and promoted to the next classes.
Admissions to public schools have also begun, although with a delay of a month this year, raising concerns that enrollment targets will not be met.
In contrast, private schools began their admission process in February and have largely completed new enrollments, while public institutions are expected to record significantly lower intake.
Students who passed were instructed to return textbooks from their previous classes. The authorities have ordered that all students hand over these books today (Thursday), after which they will be given the materials for the new academic year.
Due to prevailing economic constraints, the recycled textbooks will be redistributed to students.
After the results were announced, the students arrived at the schools with their parents, many of them dressed for the occasion. While some institutions awarded first, second, and third place awards, most limited the proceedings to a general statement of “all passed” and promoted students without formal ceremonies, reflecting the incomplete nature of the exams.
This year, however, eighth grade board exams were held, although their results are still pending and are expected between April 8 and 10.
The board only examined four subjects (Urdu, English, mathematics and science), with individual schools conducting the remaining exams with limited capacity.
Grading of board exams is reportedly strict and a high failure rate is expected.
According to sources in the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), a substantial proportion of candidates are likely to fail.
Teachers’ organizations have warned that excessive rigor in grading could lead to increased dropout rates, particularly among middle-grade students. They warned that between 60 and 70 percent of girls declared unsuccessful at this level could interrupt their education.
Rana Liaquat, central general secretary of the Punjab Teachers Union, criticized the reintroduction of the eighth grade board examination, describing it as a flawed policy that was earlier abandoned after failing on two occasions.
He noted that the current system applies only to public school students, with the private sector excluded, effectively turning government institutions into a testing ground. Negative repercussions are already emerging, he said. He further highlighted that of the 38,000 government schools in Punjab, approximately 125,000 teaching posts remain vacant, with no regular recruitment since 2018. Around 14,000 schools have already been privatized and another 4,500 are reportedly in the process of being transferred to the private sector.
