Sindh to introduce ‘special exam’ for HSC lower graders

Each year, thousands of students discontinue their studies after intermediate due to attaining less than 45 per cent marks.

The universities, following the rules of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), bar aspirants who have attained 'D' and 'E' grades, despite willingness by the students to continue studying. 

“This is an injustice with thousands of students,” said BIEK chairman Prof. Dr Saeeduddin. “Students with these lower grades should also be given a chance,” he added.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the professor said that it has been decided to offer a chance to such students so that they can improve upon their grades and continue further studies. 

If implemented, majority of students, especially from Karachi, will be able to appear in special exams aimed at improving their grades. The students will be given at least three chances.

“If one fails to improve even in the first attempt for one reason or another, he or she will be given two more chances,” explained Prof. Saeeduddin.

The idea was discussed recently in a meeting of all chairmen of intermediate boards.

Prof. Saeeduddin, who is also the chairman of the Sindh Boards add that all chairmen were in favour of such special exams.

“The doors to higher education may have been closed, but I hope this kind of opportunity will provide the students new vistas,” he added.

However, a decision has not been reached regarding eligibility, but according to the chairman, students who attained grades 'D' and 'E' during the last five years would be able to avail this oppurtunity. 

Khurram Ali, one of the students who could not continue his studies, said: "I thought going to college was a waste of time and money. I wanted to go to university but my grades were so poor."

"I am not even allowed to apply and appear in the entry tests," he lamented. 

If the decision to allow for special exams is approved, eventually no student would have such grades and educationists seemingly look to abolish the grades forever. 

The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have taken their toll on the learning process, said Saeeduddin and added that around 20pc of the year was badly affected. "Students do not sleep during the night," he said. "This is an alarming situation and we have to introduce and support them," he urged further.

According to BIEK officials, the number of students in Karachi division is over 270,000 and there are 167 colleges including private institutions. 

However, BIEK officials claim private colleges cater to less than 17,000 students.

The BIEK chairman is of the opinion that matriculation students should also be given chance to improve their grades. “This also hinders their path to better and quality education,” he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2021.