Punjab Introduces Face Detection Technology to Curb Cheating in 2025 Matric Exams

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has taken a groundbreaking step to ensure transparency and fairness in the 2025 annual matriculation exams. For the first time, the department has introduced face detection technology and other advanced measures to combat cheating. This initiative, spearheaded by Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, aims to modernize the examination system and achieve 100% transparency by next year.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Face Detection Technology: Used to verify student identities and prevent impersonation.

• 3D Barcode System: Ensures accurate identity verification during exams.

• QR-Coded Roll Number Slips: Introduced for the first time to streamline the examination process.

• Automated Staff Deployment: Eliminates favoritism and ensures fair duty assignments.

• Special Monitoring Teams: Deployed in sensitive districts like Daska, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore.

Surprise Inspections Reveal Significant Improvements

On Monday, Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat and Chairman Task Force for Education Muzammil Mehmood conducted surprise inspections at sensitive examination centers on Raiwind Road. During the visit, officials:

• Verified student identities using the 3D barcode system.

• Assessed exam arrangements and collected feedback from students.

• Praised supervisory staff for maintaining a smooth and transparent examination process.

Mr. Hayat highlighted the success of the new measures, stating, “Raiwind Road examination centers were previously known for widespread cheating. However, our new measures have reduced cheating by 90%, marking an unprecedented level of transparency.”

Cheating Cases: Before vs. After

The drastic reduction in cheating cases demonstrates the effectiveness of the new technologies and monitoring systems.

Modernizing the Examination System

The Punjab SED has introduced several technological upgrades to modernize the examination process:

1. QR-Coded Roll Number Slips

• Introduced for the first time by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore.

• Allows quick access to personal data and verification.

• Minimizes fraud and ensures a secure examination process.

2. Automated Staff Deployment

• Ensures fair and unbiased duty assignments for supervisory staff.

• Eliminates favoritism and malpractice in staff deployment.

3. Special Monitoring Teams

• Deployed in key districts like Daska, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore.

• Focus on sensitive examination centers to maintain transparency.

Achievements and Future Goals

The Punjab Chief Minister’s goal of achieving 100% transparency in the examination system by next year is well on track. The reforms have already shown remarkable results, with cheating cases dropping significantly.

According to Controller of Examinations Zahid Mian, these technological upgrades are designed to provide a secure and efficient examination experience for students.

Timeline of the 2025 Matriculation Exams

• Start Date: March 4, 2025

• End Date: March 24, 2025

The exams are being conducted under strict supervision, with advanced technologies ensuring a fair and transparent process.

The Punjab School Education Department’s introduction of face detection technology, 3D barcode systems, and QR-coded roll number slips marks a significant step toward modernizing the examination system. These measures have already reduced cheating by 90%, bringing unprecedented transparency to the process. With continued efforts, the department aims to achieve 100% transparency by next year, setting a new standard for educational integrity in Pakistan.