The Ministry of Education in Pakistan has announced a significant overhaul of the grading system for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, transitioning from traditional numerical scores to a more equitable grade-based evaluation. This reform, driven by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), aims to foster “fairness, transparency, and accuracy in student evaluation.”
The phased implementation of the new grading system will commence in the 2024 academic year, initially affecting grades 9 (SSC) and 11 (HSSC). Universities will accept both the old and new grading systems during the admissions process for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, from 2025 onward, admissions will exclusively consider Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) and letter grades.
The new grading policy introduces a 10-point scale, replacing the previous 7-point system. Grades will range from A++ to U, with the passing marks raised from 33% to 40%. The new scale is designed to classify academic performance more distinctly, with A++ denoting exceptional performance and A and B grades reflecting strong academic achievement.
The education ministry emphasized that the reform seeks to mitigate grading inflation and reduce competition for maximum marks, thereby providing a more accurate representation of student learning and achievement. Secretary of Boards and Universities, Abbas Baloch, noted, “Students will no longer compete for top positions. The focus is now on overall performance rather than ranks.”
In addition to enhancing credibility and reliability within Pakistan’s education system, the new grading system will feature explanatory notes on result slips to help students and parents understand the changes. The new policy has already received approval in Sindh, with similar endorsements in the federal capital and other provinces, including Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The introduction of the new grading system is expected to increase the difficulty level of passing the SSC and HSSC examinations. To support students in this transition, a grace marks policy will be implemented. Furthermore, teaching practices may require adjustments, with an emphasis on providing descriptive feedback to students.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have been informed about the new policy, ensuring a cohesive understanding across educational institutions. This comprehensive approach aims to elevate the quality of education and assessment standards in Pakistan, benefiting students and educators alike.
