The Federal board of intermediate and secondary education (FBISE) has officially announced the postponement of the SSC (matriculation) annual examinations in selected overseas centers. This was decided on in the light of the prevailing uncertainty and security issues in the Middle East region.
As per the latest official statement, the suspension will only be applicable to certain locations with all other international FBISE centers resuming their examinations based on the now-initially stated schedule.
Affected Countries and Immediate Actions
The board has temporarily suspended exams and withheld the issuance of roll number slips for students located in the following countries until further notice:
- Iran
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bahrain
FBISE Facilitation Options for Students
To minimize academic disruption, FBISE has introduced a facilitation mechanism for the affected candidates.
The students who are enrolled in the suspended centers can move and take their exams in either Pakistan or in countries that are adjacent to Pakistan where the exams are running as usual. Applications to use this arrangement are done by calling the board using its official email addresses or by using the WhatsApp helplines assigned to it.
FBISE Contingency Plans
The FBISE has provided some contingency plans with regard to centers and institutions that have logistical difficulties as well:
Exam Restoration: In case any overseas center of the examination in the affected areas succeeds in restoring the necessary logistical provisions during the on-going exams, FBISE can permit the students to resume the exams under the original schedule.
Alternative Arrangements: It has been recommended that institutions that are concerned with the logistical challenges make alternative arrangements hence including in-house printing of the answer sheets where needed.
FBISE Upcoming Review
The board stated that it will closely monitor the security situation in the region as it will carefully revise the decision in the next 15 days. In case the situation gets better, the pending examinations will get re-scheduled and any pending papers can be done within the current schedule.
Meanwhile, FBISE encourages all students, parents, and institutions to keep in touch with the board as well as keep checking official channels as a constant update.
Which countries are affected by the FBISE matric exam postponement?
The Federal Board has officially suspended the SSC (matric) annual exams in four specific overseas centers: Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain. Exams at all other international centers are continuing as scheduled.
Can affected overseas students take their FBISE matric exams elsewhere?
Yes. To facilitate students, FBISE has allowed affected candidates to relocate and appear for their exams either in Pakistan or in nearby countries where exams are proceeding normally. Students can apply for this via the board’s official email or WhatsApp helplines.
When will the Federal Board announce the new dates for the postponed exams?
The board will review the evolving security and logistical situation within 15 days. If conditions improve, the postponed exams will be rescheduled, and any remaining papers will proceed according to the existing timetable.
