PSEB Introduces MATQ App, 300 Flying Squads to Ensure Transparent and Secure 2026 Board Exams• Over 8 Lakh Students to Appear as PSEB Strengthens Exam Security with Digital Tracking and Barcoded Answer Sheets The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has undertaken extensive technological and administrative measures to ensure the smooth, transparent and foolproof conduct of the upcoming board examinations across the state. Dr. Amarpal Singh, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, stated that this year PSEB has introduced an advanced digital tracking system through the newly launched MATQ App, designed to monitor the secure movement of question papers. The app tracks the transportation of confidential question papers from the PSEB headquarters to designated banks for safe custody and subsequently to the concerned examination centers. Photographic evidence is mandatorily uploaded at the time of handing over and receiving the sealed packets. The app captures GPS coordinates and automatically matches them with pre-saved authorized locations, ensuring complete accountability and eliminating the possibility of any discrepancy. The Chairman also stated that a Control Room to solve the grievances is being established at Head Office, to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations. To enhance convenience for students, roll number slips have been issued with clearly mapped examination centers, enabling candidates to easily locate their respective venues well in advance. In order to maintain strict secrecy and discipline, observers will be appointed for crucial examinations on the same day. Additionally, more than 300 flying squads have been constituted across Punjab to curb the menace of unfair means and ensure a fair examination environment. For greater transparency, answer sheets will be distributed in a controlled manner at examination centers. Further strengthening confidentiality, PSEB is introducing barcoding of answer sheets, which will conceal the identity of candidates during evaluation and ensure unbiased marking. Dr. Amarpal Singh further informed that in a significant reform aimed at fair assessment, practical examinations are being conducted through external examiners for the first time. The practical exams, scheduled from February 2 to February 12, are progressing smoothly across the state. The Board has established approximately 2,366 examination centers to facilitate candidates. This year, around 2,77,316 students will appear in Class 8 examinations, 2,72,560 students in Class 10, and 2,68,794 students in Class 12. The Class 8 and Class 12 board examinations will commence on February 17, while the Class 10 examinations will begin on March 6. With these comprehensive technological interventions and strict monitoring mechanisms, PSEB aims to uphold the highest standards of transparency, security and fairness in the conduct of the 2026 Board examinations.