Pakistan is set to introduce a new grading system for matric and intermediate students, effective in 2025, as part of an initiative by the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC). This reform aims to reduce competition and exam stress while providing a more comprehensive assessment of students’ abilities.
Under the revised system, the passing marks will increase from 33% to 40%, with students eligible for up to 5 grace marks, applicable in a maximum of two subjects. However, grace marks will not be granted if a student fails a third subject. A proposal to raise the grace marks to 7 was rejected by a majority of IBCC members.
The new grading scale replaces the traditional numerical ranking system and categorizes student performance as follows:
- A++ (Exceptional): 95% and above
- A+ (Outstanding): 90-94%
- A (Excellent): 85-89%
- B++ (Very Good): 80-84%
- B+ (Good): 75-79%
- B (Fairly Good): 70-74%
- C (Above Average): 60-69%
- D (Average): 50-59%
- E (Below Average): 40-49%
- U (Unsatisfactory): Below 40%
This new framework eliminates the traditional system of ranking students and instead focuses on individual progress and abilities, promoting a more balanced approach to education. This change aligns with similar reforms introduced by the Sindh government, aiming to ensure fairer evaluations for students across Pakistan.
