The Punjab Board of Technical Education (PBTE) has announced a major change to its examination system by introducing bilingual question papers for the two-year Diploma of Information Technology (DIT) programme. Under the new policy, students will now be able to attempt examinations using question papers printed in both Urdu and English, making it easier for candidates to understand and answer questions according to their language preference.
The initiative is aimed at improving accessibility and ensuring that language barriers do not prevent students from demonstrating their academic knowledge and technical skills. Board officials believe the decision will create a more student-friendly examination environment and help candidates perform to the best of their abilities.
According to PBTE officials, the bilingual examination system has been introduced after considering the needs of students from diverse educational backgrounds. While many DIT students are comfortable with English due to the technical nature of the course, others find it easier to understand complex concepts when presented in Urdu.
By offering question papers in both languages, the board hopes to eliminate confusion and improve students’ comprehension during examinations. Officials say this will enable candidates to focus more on answering questions correctly rather than spending valuable time interpreting technical terminology.
The Punjab Board of Technical Education has also issued a formal notification confirming the implementation of the bilingual examination system for DIT examinations. The notification outlines that future DIT question papers will include both Urdu and English versions, allowing students to choose whichever language they find more convenient while attempting the exam.
Education experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step toward making technical education more inclusive. They believe students should be assessed on their knowledge and practical skills instead of their language proficiency, particularly in professional diploma programmes designed to prepare graduates for the job market.
The Diploma of Information Technology is one of Punjab’s most popular technical education programmes, attracting thousands of students every year. The two-year diploma equips learners with practical skills in computer applications, programming, networking, database management, office automation, web development, and other essential IT disciplines.
Many students enrolling in DIT programmes come from both English-medium and Urdu-medium educational backgrounds. While technical terms are often taught in English, some students struggle to fully understand examination questions written exclusively in one language. The bilingual format is expected to bridge this gap and improve overall examination performance.
PBTE officials believe the new policy will also contribute to fairer assessments by ensuring that language limitations do not negatively affect students’ scores. Instead, candidates will have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter regardless of their preferred language.
The decision also aligns with broader efforts to improve Pakistan’s technical and vocational education sector. Authorities have increasingly emphasized making skill-based education more accessible, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its digital workforce and expand employment opportunities in the technology sector.
Students have largely welcomed the announcement, with many saying bilingual question papers will reduce examination stress and boost confidence. Several education professionals also believe the initiative could serve as a model for other diploma and technical programmes offered across the country.
PBTE has clarified that while question papers will be provided in both Urdu and English, the examination syllabus, marking criteria, and academic standards will remain unchanged. Only the presentation of questions has been modified to make the examination process more convenient for students.
Officials added that the bilingual examination system reflects the board’s commitment to continuously improving educational standards while addressing the practical needs of learners. They hope the initiative will help students better showcase their technical knowledge and contribute to producing a more skilled workforce for Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
With the formal notification now issued, the bilingual system will be implemented in upcoming DIT examinations, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive and student-centered technical education system in Punjab.
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