Amid coronavirus scare, KP to hold matric exams from March 13

KARACHI: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Education Ministry said on Thursday that the matriculation exams will commence in the province from March 13.

The announcement came amid the ongoing coronavirus scare, which was causing uncertainty among students, parents and teachers.

The education ministry said that 162, 690 students will sit for the matric exams in the province this year. Due to which the KP government has established 692 examination centers across the province.

A cohort of 3,891 individuals has been tasked with the invigilation duties, said the education ministry.

The education ministry said that to ensure transparency and curb chances of cheating, strict measures are being taken.

The education ministry also informed that besides keeping an eye on the students, it will keep a watch on the invigilation staff as well to ensure the examinations are held smoothly.

Due to the coronavirus fear, the Sindh government shut down all educational institutions until March 13. However, Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education announced they will be conducting the exams as per schedule throughout Sindh. 

Read more: Punjab govt declares medical emergency to contain coronavirus

In Quetta, the Department of Secondary Education, and Higher and Technical Education summoned a session on Thursday to decide regarding reopening of schools across the province.

Balochistan Education Minister Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind will chair the session, informed official sources.

The session will discuss whether to reopen schools amid the coronavirus outbreak or not.

Due to the virus scare, the winter vacations were extended until March 15 in the educational institutions. The schools were earlier supposed to resume educational activities from March 2.