The results of the NED University of Engineering and Technology’s entrance test have once again exposed the systemic issues plaguing the educational boards in Sindh, particularly in the interior regions. The test results have brought to light a significant gap between the academic performance of students in Sindh’s rural areas and those from Karachi or federal educational boards.
According to Dr. Tufail, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of NED University, a substantial number of students from interior Sindh, who scored over 70% or 80% in their Intermediate exams, failed to even qualify in the NED entrance test, let alone secure good marks. The performance of these students in the entrance exam was remarkably poor, revealing a gap between theoretical marks obtained in the board exams and their actual understanding of core subjects.
Interior Sindh’s Educational Board Performance: The NED University entrance test results highlighted a significant disparity in performance, with students from the Aga Khan Educational Board scoring the highest success rate, at 84.71%. This was followed by students from the Federal Board, whose success rate stood at 73%. The Karachi Board’s performance was comparatively better, with a success rate of 67.64%.
However, the results from the educational boards of interior Sindh were notably disappointing. Students from these regions, despite their relatively high scores in board exams, were significantly underperforming in the NED entrance test. For instance, students from the Larkana Board had a success rate of only 21.08%, while the Nawabshah Board recorded a success rate of 26.60%. Similarly, the success rates for students from Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and Hyderabad boards were 26.69%, 31.61%, and 34.41%, respectively.
Dr. Tufail emphasized to Jang that students who are enrolled in the A-Level programs were not included in the entrance test results because their exams were still ongoing. A separate entrance test will be conducted for them after the completion of their exams. This reflects the ongoing academic competition and the level of preparation required for such national academic challenges.
Root Cause – Dysfunctional Educational Boards: The deteriorating performance of educational boards in Sindh is not a new phenomenon. For many years, these boards have been plagued by a severe lack of continuity in their leadership, with key positions such as Chairman, Secretary, and Audit Officer frequently changing hands. According to reports, the Hyderabad Board’s acting examination controller has been in position for over 12 years and remains in office despite repeated attempts to remove him, as he continues to secure a stay order every time his removal is considered.
This lack of stability has led to the gradual erosion of the quality of education and the examination system. Most chairmen and high-ranking officials across Sindh’s educational boards are also working under temporary arrangements, which have affected the efficiency and effectiveness of these boards. As a result, the boards have been unable to implement reforms, maintain consistent academic standards, and provide adequate resources for students.
Moreover, there is a persistent culture of ad-hocism in Sindh’s educational bureaucracy, which has not only weakened the administration but also compromised the credibility of examination results. The consequences of these systemic issues are apparent, as demonstrated by the stark contrast between the academic results from Sindh’s interior regions and those of Karachi and the federal boards.
Comparative Analysis – Karachi vs. Larkana Board Results: The 2024 exam results from the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) and the Larkana Board were especially telling. In comparison to the Larkana Board, where students in all major disciplines achieved a reasonable success rate (e.g., 74.81% in Computer Science, 76.71% in Pre-Medical, and 82% in Commerce), the results from the Karachi Board were alarmingly low.
In 2024, the results of the Karachi Board for various disciplines were far below expectations: 35.51% for Computer Science, 35% for Pre-Medical, 28.53% for Pre-Engineering, 29.67% for Private Commerce, and a dismal 24.33% for Private Humanities. Even students who passed the Karachi Board exams received low grades, with many students only achieving B and C grades.
In contrast, students from the interior Sindh boards, particularly Larkana, were granted much more lenient grading, with many students receiving A and A-1 grades. The disparity between these grading practices raises serious concerns about the objectivity and fairness of the examination system.
Disturbing Trend: Grades vs. Entrance Test Results: What is most alarming about this situation is the outcome of the NED entrance test, where students from the interior Sindh educational boards, who had been granted inflated grades in their board exams, were unable to pass the entrance test, let alone perform well. Despite receiving A and A-1 grades, many of these students failed to even pass the entrance test, let alone secure high marks.
On the other hand, students from Karachi, who received relatively modest grades of B and C in their board exams, were able to perform remarkably well in the entrance test. This outcome highlights the fundamental issue: board exam results do not necessarily reflect the students’ academic potential or abilities. The NED entrance test, which assesses students on their practical understanding of subjects like engineering, medicine, and computer science, exposes the weaknesses in the education system, particularly in the interior regions of Sindh.
This disconnect between board results and entrance test performance has raised alarms among educators and policymakers, who are now questioning the integrity of the examination process and the grading practices employed by the Sindh boards.
MDCAT Scandal – A Glimpse of Deeper Problems: The situation in Sindh’s educational sector is further compounded by the recent MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) scandal. Allegations of widespread manipulation and cheating during the MDCAT exams have been making headlines. The scandal has revealed the deep-rooted corruption within the examination system, with reports suggesting that students from the interior regions of Sindh were able to secure unfair advantages to obtain higher marks.
This trend of manipulation and unfair practices continues to plague the educational sector in Sindh, further undermining the quality of education and examination systems in the province. It has become increasingly apparent that the lack of reform, transparency, and accountability in Sindh’s educational boards is contributing to the deteriorating standards of education in the region.
Shocking Allegations of Fake Domiciles and University Admissions: Adding to the growing concerns is a new development: reports suggest that students from interior Sindh, who have been awarded inflated grades, may soon be granted fake domiciles for Karachi. This move is allegedly aimed at enabling these students to secure admissions in Karachi’s prestigious engineering and medical universities. This practice, if true, further highlights the widespread corruption and manipulation taking place within the educational system in Sindh.
Such practices are deeply damaging to the integrity of the entire educational system. They not only undermine the merit-based admissions process but also deprive deserving students of opportunities to pursue higher education. The implications of these allegations are far-reaching, as they contribute to the perpetuation of a corrupt system that benefits a select few while leaving the majority of students disadvantaged.
A Call for Reform and Accountability: The ongoing issues within Sindh’s educational boards cannot be ignored any longer. The lack of effective leadership, the erosion of educational standards, and the prevalence of corruption within the examination system must be addressed with urgency. Reforms are needed to restore integrity to the education sector, particularly in interior Sindh.
It is imperative that the provincial government takes swift action to overhaul the educational boards, introduce greater transparency in grading practices, and ensure that the admissions process for universities is strictly merit-based. Only through these measures can the education system in Sindh be improved and its credibility restored.
The results of the NED entrance test, combined with the ongoing MDCAT scandal and allegations of fake domiciles, paint a grim picture of the state of education in Sindh. However, they also provide a stark warning of the systemic reforms required to address these issues and ensure that the future of Sindh’s students is not compromised. It is time for the government to act before the damage becomes irreparable.
