Pakistan to Introduce a New Grading System for Schools

The transformation in Pakistan’s grading system for matric and intermediate exams marks a significant shift from numeric scores to a more comprehensive grading approach. This restructuring of the assessment process aims to provide a holistic evaluation of students’ performance.

Under the new system, the traditional numerical results will be replaced by letter grades, ushering in a paradigm where grades hold more significance than raw scores. The grading system will not only convey the student’s performance but will also incorporate Grading Points, including the calculation of the Grade Point Average (GPA). This holistic approach intends to offer a more nuanced understanding of a student’s academic capabilities.

Set to be fully implemented by 2025, the transition will bring about changes in how matric and intermediate students receive their results. Numeric scores on result cards will make way for grades, ensuring a standardized and easily understandable representation of academic achievements.

Beyond the simplification of numerical scores into grades, the system introduces a notable departure from the conventional ‘F’ (Fail) grade. In its place, the ‘U’ (Unsatisfactory) grade will be employed, signaling a shift in focus from failure to identifying areas requiring improvement and further preparation.

The new grading system doesn’t stop at result cards; it permeates the entire admission process for professional colleges and universities across Pakistan. The merit-based selection, which previously relied on minimum required marks, will now hinge on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). This alteration is poised to bring a more standardized and fair approach to admissions.

Furthermore, the changes extend beyond grading. The system redefines the passing criteria, elevating the bar from the conventional 33% to 40%. This adjustment aims to set a higher standard for academic success and proficiency.

The uniform implementation of the new system nationwide, starting in the academic year 2023, signifies a concerted effort to streamline the education system. Post-2024 examinations, students can anticipate receiving result cards reflective of the new grading system, providing a clearer picture of their academic accomplishments.

Dr. Ghulam Ali Malah, the Executive Director of the IBCC (Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen), sheds light on the international inspiration behind the new system. Drawing on global practices, the system introduces ten grading points, with ‘A++’ signifying exceptional performance. This move aligns Pakistan’s education evaluation with international standards, fostering a more globally competitive education system.

In essence, the new grading system is not merely a shift from numbers to letters; it symbolizes a holistic transformation in how academic achievements are assessed and understood. As the nation embraces these changes, it