Class IX and X annual exams to begin across 520 centres on April 10

KARACHI: The first annual examinations for Class IX and X students will start on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 520 examination centres, according to officials.

Exam Administrator Ahmed Khan Chatha said large and well-equipped centres had been arranged for the examinations, with clean furniture, water and other required facilities made available for students.

He said 25 hubs had been set up in 18 towns to ensure the timely delivery of question papers.

Board Chairman Ghulam Hussain Soho directed that all examination centres prominently display instructions banning mobile phones and electronic devices. He also warned that any cheating material found would be seized.

Soho said Section 144 would be imposed at all centres in coordination with the Karachi commissioner, DG Rangers, additional IG, Director Education Karachi, Director Private Schools Sindh and other authorities to stop outside interference during the examinations.

He added that photocopy shops located near examination centres would remain closed during exam hours.

Monitoring and paper distribution arrangements

Chatha said K-Electric had been informed so that power outages could be avoided in areas where morning and afternoon papers would be held.

He added that a reporting cell had been established at the board office to oversee the examination process and review anti-cheating measures on a daily basis.

Officials have also put in place a secure mechanism for the distribution of question papers. Under the arrangement, board officials will deliver papers to hub centres, from where centre superintendents or their authorised representatives will collect sealed packets and take them to their respective examination centres.

After the completion of papers, answer sheets will be sent back to the board without delay.

The measures announced by officials cover logistics, monitoring and enforcement steps for the annual examinations, including restrictions on electronic devices, closure of nearby photocopy shops and coordination with civic and law enforcement authorities.

The examinations will be conducted in both morning and afternoon shifts, and the board has said arrangements have been made to support the process at all designated centres.