ISLAMABAD: The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has convened the first meeting of the Steering Committee on the National Examination Quality Standardized Index (NEQSI) at the IBCC Secretariat, Islamabad, in line with the directives of the Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
The meeting, held on October 14, was chaired by IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah. It reviewed the proposed framework for introducing common, internationally benchmarked standards across Pakistan’s 27 public-sector examination boards.
According to the IBCC, the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the quality, transparency, fairness and credibility of educational assessment across the country.
The Steering Committee considered the proposed indicators, performance targets and implementation milestones. A sub-committee was also constituted to refine the proposed indicators and targets and present its recommendations at the next meeting.
NEQSI aims to establish a robust and consistent mechanism for evaluating examination quality nationwide. The index is expected to support evidence-based improvements in assessment practices, promote greater comparability among examination boards, strengthen public confidence in educational qualifications and contribute to the international recognition of Pakistan’s secondary and higher secondary qualifications.
The initiative is also expected to benefit students seeking admission to higher education institutions in Pakistan and abroad.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mallah said NEQSI was an important step towards transforming Pakistan’s examination system through standardised quality benchmarks and continuous improvement.
“NEQSI will help improve the quality of examinations and assessment across the country, align our examination systems with international benchmarks, and strengthen the global recognition of Pakistani qualifications,” he said.
“Through a consistent and transparent quality assurance framework, we aim to enhance the credibility of our examinations and expand educational opportunities for our students,” he added.
The IBCC said it would continue working in coordination with relevant stakeholders and examination boards to advance the national initiative and promote a more transparent, reliable and internationally comparable examination system across Pakistan.
