Karachi Matric Board Chemistry paper sparks controversy over difficulty level and alleged leak

Students appearing in the Secondary School Certificate examinations said they prepared throughout the year based on past papers and the conventional exam pattern of the last decade.

However, they reported that the paper largely consisted of conceptual questions, while routine numericals and balancing equations—commonly expected in such exams—were either minimal or absent.

Many students said they struggled to understand the questions due to complex wording and an unfamiliar format, adding that they were unable to complete several sections of the paper.

Some described the paper as similar to Cambridge-style examinations, saying the English used in the questions made comprehension more difficult.

A student from a Shah Faisal Colony examination centre said earlier assurances had suggested that full conceptual papers would be introduced from the next academic year, while the current year would largely follow the traditional format.

She said the unexpected shift without prior model papers or clear guidance left students confused and unprepared.

Students also said they had focused extensively on numerical problems and equations in preparation for securing high marks, but instead faced a paper in which more than 30 percent of questions were conceptual.

They feared the situation could affect overall results and increase failure rates.

Parents expressed strong concern over the situation, calling it unfair and demanding that marking be carried out with leniency.

They urged authorities to adopt a clear and consistent examination policy in the future to avoid uncertainty for students.

Private school associations also criticized the situation, saying that educational reforms require proper planning, teacher training, and advance preparation for students before implementation.

Teachers and coaching centre instructors termed the paper unusually difficult for average students, stating that although it was within the syllabus, the language and question style created unnecessary difficulty.

On the other hand, Karachi Board officials rejected the criticism, stating that the paper was fully in line with the syllabus and contained no out-of-course material.

They said students were already informed about the inclusion of conceptual questions and maintained that the difficulty level was appropriate for assessing understanding-based learning.

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised after reports emerged that the Chemistry paper was circulated on social media before the exam began, prompting questions over examination security and the role of cheating networks.

Students and parents have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.