Punjab Set to Revolutionize Board Exams with On-Screen Marking System

Punjab is poised to transform its board exam evaluation process by introducing an on-screen marking system for the March 2026 examinations.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced this initiative, positioning Punjab among the first state boards in India to utilize digital evaluation methods.

This innovative system will allow teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on computers, significantly speeding up grading and improving accuracy.

Bains highlighted the system's effectiveness, citing successful trials that evaluated 23,000 answer sheets during the September 2025 Supplementary Examinations.

The Punjab School Education Board plans to implement on-screen marking in one subject for the matriculation exams this year, with plans for broader adoption in future cycles.

Each page of the redesigned answer sheets will feature a unique QR code for secure scanning and processing, ensuring a streamlined evaluation process.

Under this system, answer sheets will be scanned in a secure environment and uploaded to a central dashboard, where examiners can evaluate them online with automated grading and real-time progress tracking.

Bains emphasized that this reform is not merely a technological upgrade but a comprehensive overhaul of the evaluation process, aiming for fairness, speed, and accuracy for students.

PSEB chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh reiterated the government's commitment to transparency and efficiency, stating that students would benefit from quicker results and standardized marking.

The board has completed all necessary preparations for the rollout in March 2026, reinforcing Punjab's dedication to enhancing educational standards.