Pakistan adopts new grading system for exams, ending traditional scoring

Pakistan’s Ministry of Education has introduced a new grading system for secondary and higher secondary school exams, moving away from numerical scores to a grade-based evaluation.

According to the ministry’s official statement, starting from the 2024 academic year, results will be presented through grades rather than marks.

The shift will first apply to students in 9th and 11th grades, with wider implementation expected by 2025.

"The new policy will phase out the traditional system of awarding marks. Students will now receive Grade Point Averages (GPA) or Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA)," the statement said.

The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) has decided to implement a 10-point grading system, replacing the current 7-point scale.

The new grades will range from A++ to U, with pass marks raised from 33% to 40%. "A++ will represent exceptional performance, while A and B grades will reflect strong academic achievement," the ministry added.

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," Secretary of Boards and Universities Abbas Baloch said in a notification.

Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan have yet to adopt the new system.