The Ministry of Education has revamped the evaluation system for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, transitioning from numerical scores to a grade-based assessment.
The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) declared that this new system aims to enhance fairness, transparency, and accuracy in evaluating students.
The new grading method will initially apply to 9th grade (SSC) and 11th grade (HSSC) starting in the 2024 academic year. During the 2024-2025 admission period, universities will consider traditional and new grading systems. From 2025 onward, however, higher education institutions will exclusively use the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and grades for admissions.
The education ministry explained that the old method of assigning marks would gradually be phased out in favour of a Grade Point Average (GPA) or CGPA system. Furthermore, the IBCC has introduced a 10-point grading scale for SSC and HSSC exams, replacing the previous 7-point scale, with grades now ranging from A++ to U. The minimum passing marks will increase from 33% to 40%, where A++ denotes exceptional performance, and A and B grades indicate strong academic achievements.
This reform aims to control grade inflation, minimize competition for maximum marks, and more accurately reflect students’ learning and achievement. “This reform will enhance the credibility and reliability of Pakistan’s education system by offering a more precise assessment of student performance,” stated the IBCC. Result slips will now include details of the new grading system.
Officials in Sindh have already endorsed this new policy. Abbas Baloch, Secretary of Boards and Universities, emphasized that students will no longer compete for top positions, with a new focus on overall performance rather than ranking. The federal capital and other provinces, such as Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, have also recently approved the new grading policy.
Implementing this system will likely make passing the SSC and HSSC examinations more challenging. Authorities will introduce a grace marks policy to assist students with this transition. Teaching methods may need adjustments, and students will receive descriptive feedback to enhance their learning experience. The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have all been notified about these changes.
Pakistan’s Existing Vs New Grade-Based Evaluation System for SSC and HSSC
| Aspect | Existing System | New System (from 2024 onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Grading Scale | 7-point scale | 10-point scale |
| Grade Points | Marks-based percentages | Grade Point Averages (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) |
| Grades | Typically A to F | Ranges from A++ to U |
| Minimum Passing Marks | 33% | Raised to 40% |
| Evaluation Focus | Primarily on individual exams and marks | Overall performance, with emphasis on comprehensive evaluation |
| Implementation | Uniform throughout schooling | Phased introduction starting with grades 9 (SSC) and 11 (HSSC) |
| University Admissions | Based solely on marks | Typically, A to F |
| Post-2025 Admissions | Marks-based system | The transition period where both systems are considered (2024-2025) |
| Performance Representation | Direct correlation to numerical marks | Grades reflect a range of performance from exceptional to unsatisfactory |
| Impact on Students | Competition for highest marks | Focus shifts to overall academic and personal development |
| Policy for Grace Marks | Not specified | Introduction of grace marks policy to support students during transition |
| Feedback | Generally limited to marks | Descriptive feedback to aid student development |
| Objective | Only CGPA and grades are considered | Achieve the highest possible marks |
