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The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) is facing a formal corruption investigation over alleged irregularities in the changing of examination centers during the 2026 Matric (SSC) annual examinations.
The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Sindh has started examining how examination centers were originally allocated, why several centers were later canceled, and whether the changes provided an unfair benefit to some private schools.
BSEK Changed Hundreds of Examination Centers
According to the inquiry details, BSEK initially designated 559 examination centers for the 2026 SSC annual examinations. Later, around 147 centers were canceled, while 117 new examination centers were created.
The large-scale changes have raised questions about the procedure followed by the board and whether all changes were properly approved and justified.
The ACE is also examining around 72 requests submitted by private schools and institutions seeking changes to their examination centers.
What Is the ACE Investigating?
The investigation is focused on whether some examination center changes were made to benefit particular private schools or institutions.
The anti-corruption authorities want to determine whether the board followed the same rules and procedures used in previous examinations. They are also checking whether the changes were supported by proper reasons and official approvals.
| Examination Center Record | Details Sought by ACE |
|---|---|
| Initially designated centers | 559 |
| Canceled centers | 147 |
| Newly created centers | 117 |
| Requests for center changes | Around 72 |
| Main issue under investigation | Alleged irregularities in center changes |
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ACE Demands Original Examination Records
In two letters, the ACE directed BSEK Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan Chutto to provide the original records within two days.
The anti-corruption body has also asked the board to send a knowledgeable and responsible official to appear before the inquiry officer and record a statement.
The requested documents include the complete record of the SSC annual examinations, along with the procedure used for fixing and allocating examination centers.
Details of Canceled and New Centers Required
The ACE has specifically requested information about the 147 canceled examination centers. This includes the dates on which they were canceled and the reasons behind each cancellation.
For the 117 newly established centers, investigators want details about when they were created, why they were required, how many candidates were allocated to each center, and their physical capacity.
These records are expected to help investigators determine whether the changes were made according to established rules.
Departmental Inquiry Led to ACE Investigation
The ACE probe follows a departmental inquiry ordered by Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahu after allegations emerged concerning the management of examination centers during the 2026 Matric examinations.
The departmental committee reportedly concluded that some centers had been changed shortly before the examinations without proper approval or sufficient justification.
The committee recommended action against officials allegedly responsible for the irregularities. The minister subsequently approved the inquiry report and referred the matter to the ACE for further investigation.
Separate Probe Into Result Allegations
The examination center controversy is not the only matter being investigated at BSEK. A separate inquiry is also underway into allegations that some board officials altered students’ examination results in exchange for bribes.
The latest ACE investigation will determine whether the examination center changes involved any wrongdoing. Until the inquiry is completed, the allegations remain under investigation.