Punjab tightens exam policy in government colleges

The Punjab Education Department has issued new and stricter instructions for all government colleges across the province, introducing fines for absenteeism, mandatory attendance requirements, and revised academic rules for students, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Tuesday.

According to the new guidelines, students who fail in two or more subjects — receiving an “F” grade — will not be forwarded to the admission board for promotion.

The department has also imposed fines for exam absenteeism. A penalty of Rs. 200 per paper will be charged for absence during the December and pre-board examinations, while a Rs. 100 fine per paper will apply for missing monthly tests.

Students who skip exams without submitting a valid medical certificate will be marked as failed. Attendance in all monthly, December, and pre-board examinations has been declared compulsory for every student.

The Education Department has made 75 percent attendance a minimum requirement; students failing to meet this benchmark will not be issued roll number slips for examinations.

Cases of cheating or misconduct during exams will be handled by the respective College Council, whose decision will be deemed final, the circular stated.