Students Required to Repeat the Year After Failing Send-Up Exams

Students Required to Repeat the Year After Failing Send-Up Exams

FDE Schools Under Fire for Blocking Board Exam Admissions of Failing Students

Schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) are facing criticism for refusing to forward the board exam applications of students who failed their send-up tests—a move that has left many students in limbo.

These students now face two tough choices either repeat the entire academic year or register as private candidates with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE). This policy has sparked concerns about rising dropout rates, as many families may struggle with the additional financial burden of private registrations.

Why Are Students Being Held Back?

The FDE introduced this policy in October to improve board exam results. Only students who pass their send-up tests and meet attendance requirements are allowed to sit for board exams as regular candidates.

However, critics argue that this approach punishes students for deeper issues within the education system, such as poor teaching standards and administrative negligence—despite the government’s significant investment in education. Many students, who have been enrolled in these schools for years and previously passed exams, now find themselves excluded.

Growing Concerns & Official Response

Education officials and parents are raising alarms about the potential impact of this policy, fearing it could force more students out of the education system. The situation is especially worrying for low-income families, who may not be able to afford the triple admission fees required for late registrations.

Federal Secretary for Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani defended the process, emphasizing that students are given multiple chances to pass. He assured that cases of widespread rejections would be reviewed and that schools or teachers responsible for excessive failures could face action. He also hinted at the possibility of third-party audits to ensure fairness in the process.

With mounting pressure from students, parents, and education advocates, the debate continues: Is this policy truly about academic excellence, or is it an unfair burden on students?