Pakistan rolls out new, improved grading system for SSC, HSSC exams

• New system promotes "fairness, transparency" in student evaluation."
• Phased introduction of reform to begin from 2024 academic year.
• System will be applicable to grades 9 (SSC) and 11 (HSSC), initially.
  

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Education has introduced a new grading system for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, shifting from numerical scores to a grade-based evaluation.

The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) announced the new system for SSC and HSSC examinations, saying that it aims to promote "fairness, transparency, and accuracy in student evaluation."

In its announcement, the board revealed that the phased introduction starting from the 2024 academic year will be applicable to grades 9 (SSC) and 11 (HSSC) initially.

However, universities will consider both old and new grading systems during admissions for 2024-2025. Meanwhile from 2025, colleges and universities will refer to CGPA and grades only.

"The new policy will phase out the traditional system of awarding marks. Students will now receive Grade Point Averages or Cumulative Grade Point Averages," the education ministry said in a statement.

Furthermore, the IBCC announced that a 10-point grading system for SSC and HSSC examinations will be introduced, replacing the current 7-point scale.

The new grades will range from A++ to U, with passing marks raised from 33% to 40%. 

"A++ will represent exceptional performance, while A and B grades will reflect strong academic achievement," the ministry said.

"Universities will consider both old and new grading systems during admissions for 2024-2025," the ministry added. "From 2025, colleges and universities will refer to CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and grades only."

Additionally, the board said that the new grading system will also "control grading inflation, minimise competition for maximum marks, and ensure accurate reflection of student learning and achievement".

"This reform aims to enhance the credibility and reliability of Pakistan's education system, providing a more accurate assessment of student performance," the board said in its announcement, adding that the new grading system will be explained on result slips.

In the province of Sindh, officials have already approved the new policy.

"Students will no longer compete for top positions. The focus is now on overall performance rather than ranks," said Secretary of Boards and Universities Abbas Baloch, in a notification. 

Meanwhile, the federal capital and other provinces including Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan also approved the new grading policy on Thursday.

How will it impact education system?

As per the impact of the new grading system, the difficulty level to pass examinations the SSC and HSSC examinations, will be increased, while a grace marks policy will also be introduced to support students.

Similarly, teaching practices may require adjustments and students will receive descriptive feedback.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have been informed.