In a significant move to improve the quality of education, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has decided to enforce strict admission and examination policies across government colleges in the province.
According to the new directives, students seeking to appear in board examinations will now be required to pass an internal admission test with higher qualifying marks. The passing threshold has been increased from 33 to 40 marks, making it mandatory for students to meet stricter academic criteria before being allowed to sit in exams.
Officials from the department stated that the primary objective of this decision is to enhance educational standards and ensure better academic outcomes across public sector colleges.
In a parallel development, teachers have been made directly accountable for students’ performance. Under the revised policy, colleges must ensure that at least 80 percent of their intermediate-level students pass the examinations. Failure to meet this benchmark may result in disciplinary action against the concerned faculty members.
Director Public Instructions (DPI) Colleges, Dr. Ansar Azhar emphasized that institutions demonstrating outstanding performance will not only be acknowledged but will also be awarded cash incentives. Colleges securing top positions will receive special recognition as part of the department’s performance-based evaluation system.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it will lead to improved academic standards. However, they have also cautioned that the increased accountability may place additional pressure on teaching staff.