The Sindh government has banned Cambridge-affiliated schools from forcing students to register as private candidates, directing institutions to immediately stop the practice and warning of strict action against violators.
According to officials, the decision was taken by the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions, Sindh, following a growing number of complaints from parents and students.
The complaints alleged that some elite private schools were exploiting students by denying them the right to appear in Cambridge examinations as regular candidates despite charging full academic fees.
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Authorities said that compelling students to sit examinations privately, without official approval, is a clear violation of the law.
Schools were warned that any admission or examination policy implemented without approval from the relevant authorities would invite legal action.
Sindh issues fresh directive on school timings
The Sindh government clarified that responsibility for students’ academic performance lies with school management and teaching staff, not with students.
Officials stressed that schools cannot shift accountability by registering students as private candidates, especially after collecting examination and tuition fees. Instructions have been issued to ensure that students’ rights related to Cambridge examinations are fully protected.
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Schools have been directed to immediately discontinue the practice of private registration and comply with existing rules and regulations.
The Directorate of Inspection and Registration, Sindh, has also issued an official circular to formally communicate the directive to all private institutions following the Cambridge curriculum.
The circular states that any school found violating the directive will face action under the relevant education laws.
The issue has gained further attention in the context of recent examination controversies.
