Private schools reject new exam system.

PESHAWAR -- The representatives of private school associations have rejected the government's decision to go away with the ninth grade board examination and introduce the board assessment examination for eighth grade from the next academic year and said the move would harm the cause of education in the province.

Leading the owners of private schools, National Education Council chairman Nazar Hussain told reporters at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday that it was unfortunate that the government had taken the exam decision without consulting stakeholders.

He said the board examination for eighth grade and composite exam for ninth and 10th grades would cause problems for schools, students and parents.

Mr Hussain said the new exam system had caused confusion and serious fears among students.

He said the holding exam of 16 subjects under the composite examination was tantamount to compromising the educational standards and damaging the entire examination system.

The NEC chairman said more and more students were committing suicide and fleeing home due to changes to the exam...