New Grading System for Matric and Inter Exams

Pakistan stands at the cusp of a transformative era in education, bidding farewell to the traditional marks-centric grading system in favor of a more contemporary approach. The upcoming shift, led by the INTER BOARD COMMITTEE OF CHAIRMEN IBCC, promises to redefine how matric and intermediate examinations are assessed, with a targeted full-scale implementation by 2025. The students and teachers are concerned about the new grading system and they think Will Progressive Grading System Revolutionize Pakistani Education.

Navigating the New Assessment Landscape:
In this groundbreaking transition, the educational focus will pivot from singular marks to a holistic grading system, accentuating Cumulative Grade Point Averages CGPA. The familiar Fail grade, previously denoted by F, will undergo a metamorphosis into U for Unsatisfactory, signifying performance below the anticipated average. Furthermore, the minimum passing threshold will experience an elevation from 33% to 40%.

Global Perspectives Shaping Change:
Dr. Ghulam Ali Malah, the astute Executive Director of IBCC, sheds light on the international deliberations that shaped this educational evolution. The commission found inspiration in a globally recognized 10-point grading scale, echoing familiar sentiments present in various international grading systems. This reformation encompasses a spectrum of grades, ranging from A++ for outstanding performance to U for Unsatisfactory, compelling students falling below the 40% mark to reattempt their exams for improvement.

Realizing the New Grading Paradigm:
Already in effect, the new grading system is on track for full integration into the matric and intermediate examinations by 2025. Pakistani educational boards are adapting to this transformative change by exclusively assigning grades and CGPA on students result cards, phasing out the conventional reliance on marks-based assessments. For instance, an exemplary score between 95% to 100% will earn a student an A++ grade and a pristine 5.0 CGPA.

Unveiling a Two-Annual Exam System:
Complementing the grading metamorphosis is the introduction of a Two-Annual exam system. Dr. Malah draws parallels to the flexibility offered in the Cambridge examination system in the United Kingdom, where students can choose their annual examination subjects for both part 1 and part 2 exams of matric and inter classes. Departing from the conventional annual and supply exams dichotomy, this new system empowers students to dictate their examination preferences.

Shaping Admission Landscapes:
The shift from marks to CGPA heralds a transformation in admission procedures, particularly for professional colleges and universities. Merit assessments, once tethered to the traditional marks, will now pivot decisively towards CGPA. Dr. Malah underlines that this educational overhaul is a deliberate effort to recalibrate the educational landscape, placing a renewed emphasis on comprehension over rote memorization.

Empowering Educators:
Beyond the student-centric changes, the evolution in examination patterns is poised to influence teaching methodologies. Educators are expected to adapt their pedagogical approaches to align with the evolving assessment system. The overarching goal is to foster conceptual learning, veering away from the unproductive memorization that has traditionally characterized the education sector. This holistic transformation aims to redefine the very essence of education in Pakistan.

Unraveling the Motivation behind IBCCs Initiative:
The IBCCs introduction of this groundbreaking system stems from extensive collaboration with education board representatives from all provinces of Pakistan. Dr. Ghulam Ali Malah elucidates that this initiative was conceived to address the excessive competitiveness prevalent in the old system, alleviating undue pressure on students and encouraging a genuine exploration of their academic capacities. The decision to collectively embark on this change was informed by a shared vision to move away from a culture solely fixated on achieving high marks, allowing students to uncover and showcase their true academic abilities.
Pakistans education system is on the verge of a monumental shift, steering away from traditional norms to embrace a contemporary and inclusive grading system. This transformative journey, spearheaded by the IBCC, not only redefines how students are assessed but also aims to reshape the very fabric of education in the country.