The Peshawar High Court has taken serious notice of a ninth-grade student receiving zero marks in a Biology examination.
The court has summoned senior officials of the Peshawar Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education for the next hearing.
It also directed them to produce the student’s original Biology theory answer sheet and complete examination record.
The case involves student Abdul Moiz Khan, who challenged the zero marks awarded in his Biology-I theory examination.
Board Admits Biology Paper Was Checked Incorrectly
A two-member Peshawar High Court bench heard the petition filed through lawyer Aminur Rehman Yousafzai.
The bench comprised Senior Puisne Judge Ijaz Anwar and Justice Babar Sattar. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer explained that the board had awarded zero marks in the student’s Biology theory paper.
However, the board’s legal counsel, Zainul Abideen, acknowledged an error during the proceedings.
He told the court that the student’s complaint would be addressed and admitted that the Biology-I paper had been checked incorrectly.
According to the board’s counsel, the error resulted in the accidental award of zero marks.
He explained that examination papers receive computer-generated codes after reaching the board. However, the student’s paper had mistakenly been assigned another number during that process.
Judge Questions Examination Board’s Handling
Justice Ijaz Anwar expressed serious concern over the explanation presented by the board. He noted that the error surfaced only after the student approached the court for relief.
The judge also reprimanded the board’s legal representative for failing to produce the original Biology-I answer sheet.
The bench had previously directed the board to present the paper, but the document was not produced during the hearing.
The court subsequently raised broader concerns about complaints involving examination results. Justice Anwar observed that students have repeatedly reported errors and negligence during result preparation.
He said the board was “playing with the future of children” while discussing the consequences of such mistakes. The judge further noted that authorities often describe discrepancies as mistakes after students raise complaints.
Court Highlights Problems Faced by Students
The court also considered whether every student has the ability to challenge an examination error through legal proceedings.
Justice Anwar noted that Abdul Moiz had a lawyer in his family who could pursue the matter before the court. However, he pointed out that many students may not have access to similar legal assistance.
The observation highlighted the potential impact of examination errors on students who cannot afford prolonged legal proceedings. The court therefore treated the issue as more serious than an ordinary discrepancy in examination results.
Justice Anwar stressed that awarding zero marks in an examination could significantly affect a student’s academic future.
Board Says Student’s Marks Have Been Corrected
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the board had now resolved the student’s grievance.
He said the board had reissued Abdul Moiz’s marks sheet after correcting his Biology result. According to the counsel, the student’s Biology score had been updated to 72 out of 75.
He further stated that the zero previously recorded for the Biology theory paper had been changed to 65. The counsel also presented a photocopy of the revised detailed marks certificate before the court.
Despite the correction, the court maintained that the original error required serious consideration. The judges also indicated that the matter should not end simply because the student’s marks had been corrected.
PHC Demands Complete Examination Record
The Peshawar High Court directed the board authorities to produce the student’s original examination paper and complete record.
It also ordered the chairman and controller of examinations of the Peshawar Board to appear personally.
The officials will have to explain the circumstances surrounding the incorrect checking and subsequent award of zero marks. The court also warned that those responsible for such mistakes must face appropriate action.
Justice Anwar observed that similar issues appeared to have become routine for the examination board. He stressed the need for corrective measures to prevent such incidents from affecting other students.
Nearly 1.9 Million Rechecking Applications Cited
The petitioner’s counsel also raised concerns about the wider examination checking process. He told the court that around 1.9 million students had submitted applications for rechecking to the board.
The figure added another dimension to the concerns surrounding examination result preparation.
Nevertheless, the counsel maintained that the student’s individual grievance had now been “resolved” after the correction.
The court, however, emphasised that the award of zero marks could not be treated as a minor matter. It therefore ordered further scrutiny of the examination record before closing the issue.
Next Hearing Set for September 9
The Peshawar High Court adjourned the proceedings until September 9. The chairman and controller of examinations of the Peshawar Board must appear in person on that date.
They are also required to bring the original Biology-I answer sheet and the student’s complete examination record.
The proceedings will determine how the examination error occurred and whether further action is required against those responsible.
For the student, the correction has restored his Biology marks. However, the court’s intervention has also placed the examination board’s checking procedures under closer scrutiny.
