PSEB launches MATQ app to ensure secure question paper movement for 2026 exams

The Punjab Education Department has introduced the MATQ app, designed to monitor the secure movement of question papers for the upcoming exams of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), following the pattern of CBSE. 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 centres. Over 8 lakh students are set to appear in the annual exams.

Dr Amarpal Singh, chairman of PSEB, stated that this year the Board has introduced an advanced digital tracking system through the newly launched MATQ app 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 centres. 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 authorised locations, ensuring complete accountability and eliminating the possibility of any discrepancy.

The chairman also stated that a Control Room is being established at the Head Office to address grievances and ensure the smooth conduct of examinations. To enhance convenience for students, roll number slips have been issued with clearly mapped examination centres, enabling candidates to easily locate their respective venues well in advance.

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 unfair means and ensure a fair examination environment. For greater transparency, answer sheets will be distributed in a controlled manner at examination centres.

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 centres 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.