KP CM chairs ETEA board meeting, highlights shift to digital testing

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday chaired the 35th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Education Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), reviewing the agency’s performance and ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and merit in public sector recruitment.
The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s House, was attended by board members and senior officials, who were given a comprehensive briefing on ETEA’s operational progress and reforms in its testing systems, according to an official statement.
Expressing satisfaction over the agency’s performance, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening ETEA as a credible and autonomous institution.
He emphasized that, in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, the government is taking concrete steps to institutionalize merit and transparency in recruitment and assessment processes.
Officials informed the meeting that ETEA has successfully transitioned from a paper-based examination system to a computer-based testing (CBT) model. The shift has significantly improved efficiency, reduced the risk of malpractice, and eliminated incidents of paper leakage.
Additional transparency measures, including live streaming of examinations and real-time result processing, have further strengthened public trust. The move to digital testing has also eliminated paper usage, contributing to environmental sustainability.
According to the briefing, ETEA completed 37 projects last year, while the number has surged to 166 in the current year, indicating a substantial increase in institutional capacity and demand for its services.
To ensure the integrity of examinations, the agency has introduced advanced anti-cheating mechanisms such as facial recognition technology, strict quality assurance protocols, and enforcement measures against violations. Work is also underway to replace the traditional roll number system with a facial login mechanism for candidates.
The Board was further informed that a comprehensive financial and administrative manual has been developed to strengthen governance and standardize procedures. Gender inclusion was highlighted as a key reform, with 50 percent female representation ensured among invigilation staff during examinations.
On the legal front, officials shared that out of 90 cases filed against ETEA in the Peshawar High Court, 86 have been decided in favor of the agency, while four cases remain pending.
The meeting was told that the new ETEA Act has been approved by the provincial cabinet, and the agency has also been awarded ISO 9000 certification, reflecting compliance with international quality standards.
Owing to its improved performance and credibility, ETEA’s services are now being utilized by various federal government institutions as well as the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, demonstrating growing confidence in the agency’s capabilities.