Education authorities across Punjab have issued a strict warning ahead of the annual examination season, declaring that sharing question papers on social media will now be treated as a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fines.
According to official notifications released by various Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs), students and individuals found posting or forwarding exam papers on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or X will face serious legal consequences. The warning applies to both objective and subjective papers and remains in effect during and after examination hours.
Officials have emphasized that the practice, often considered a minor violation in the past, will now be dealt with under the Punjab University and Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education Malpractices Act. Under this law, anyone involved in leaking or distributing examination material related to ongoing or upcoming papers may face up to three years in prison along with fines of up to Rs. 50,000.
Authorities have also reinforced a strict ban on the use of mobile phones and electronic devices inside examination centers. Students are prohibited from taking photos, recording videos, or transmitting any exam-related content digitally. Even attempts to capture or share question papers will be treated as deliberate interference in the examination process.
To ensure compliance, Punjab boards have directed examination staff to maintain heightened vigilance during the exams. District administrations and law enforcement agencies have also been tasked with supporting monitoring efforts and taking swift action against violations.
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Officials have urged students, parents, and invigilators to strictly follow examination rules and avoid any unlawful activities. They warned that violations will result in immediate legal action, with a zero-tolerance policy in place across the province.
