The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) has recently implemented extensive reforms aimed at transforming the education system, according to IBCC Secretary Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Dr. Mallah said that the reforms are intended to enhance administrative efficiency, improve examination procedures, and automate various processes for the benefit of staff and students.
Dr. Mallah emphasized that these reforms were designed to simplify processes for all stakeholders, including staff and students, thereby contributing towards a more efficient and transparent education system.
Administrative Reforms
The IBCC has obtained ISO 9001:2015 Certification, demonstrating the board’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in its operations. The implementation of the IBCC Act and IBCC Service Rules ensures a structured framework for decision-making and smooth functioning. The IBCC has also upgraded its office buildings to provide a better infrastructure and a conducive environment for the workforce. To monitor staff attendance, biometric attendance has been introduced. Furthermore, live surveillance systems have been installed in regional offices to enhance security and monitor activities.
Examination Reforms
The IBCC has made significant changes to the examination procedures. For instance, the board has opened doors for SSC and HSSC private students to register for the science group, which provides greater opportunities for aspiring students. Additionally, the introduction of two annual exams in a calendar year grants students more flexibility in terms of scheduling their examinations. To facilitate students across various age groups, the IBCC has implemented relaxation in the age limit for exam eligibility. The IBCC has also shifted from absolute marking to a grading scheme for examinations, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic evaluation of students’ performance, focusing on their overall understanding and skill development rather than just numerical scores.
Recognition of Foreign and Indigenous Qualifications
The IBCC has recognized eight new foreign qualifications, allowing international students to seek equivalency in Pakistan. Moreover, eleven new indigenous qualifications have been recognized, providing recognition and validity to a wider range of local educational programs.
IT Initiatives
The IBCC has taken significant steps to modernize its processes. All qualifications are included in the equivalence portal, enabling students to easily access information regarding the equivalence of their qualifications. The establishment of a centralized equivalence database with tracking features allows for efficient record management. The board has also introduced QR code-based equivalence certificates to simplify the verification process, making it more secure and convenient. Digital archiving of old records ensures the preservation and easy retrieval of historical data. Online fee reconciliation, employee performance monitoring, queue management system (QMS), online leave management system, and an enhanced online portal for attestation have also been implemented to streamline various administrative tasks.
Dr. Mallah is optimistic about the comprehensive reforms and believes that these will have a far-reaching impact on the education sector in Pakistan. The streamlined administrative processes, examination reforms, and automation initiatives will contribute to a more efficient and transparent education system, benefiting students, educational institutions, and other stakeholders alike.
