In a groundbreaking move, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has rolled out a new grading system for Matric and Intermediate exams, signaling a significant departure in Pakistan’s educational framework.
A primary objective of the revamped system is to tackle the intense competition prevalent among students by putting a check on mark inflation. The initiative aims to ease the competitive culture and alleviate societal pressures compelling students to strive for maximum marks.
The second key objective is to establish uniformity in the country’s examination system, encompassing both public and private boards. The IBCC envisions a phased implementation of the new system over three years, starting in 2023 and reaching full adoption by 2025.
Notable changes include raising the passing marks from 33% to 40%, a shift from a 7-point to a 10-point grading scale, and a focus on descriptive terms for grades (e.g., remarkable, outstanding, exceptional) rather than direct comparisons.
The new system, according to the IBCC’s website, will be fully implemented by 2025. Colleges and universities are expected to rely solely on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for admissions, with raw marks not being displayed on marksheets from that point onward.
Despite the IBCC’s claim of the system starting in 2023, recent Matric Exam results from Lahore and eight exam boards in Punjab reveal a delay in implementation. The Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) in Punjab are still adhering to a 6-point grading system, with passing marks at 33%.
This transformative step by the IBCC not only aims to redefine the grading standards but also to foster a healthier educational environment, moving away from intense competition towards a more holistic assessment of students’ abilities.
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