Sindh approves grace marks for first year science students in Karachi

Approval follows probe into students' poor inter part-I performance.

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The Sindh Assembly’s parliamentary committee has approved grace marks for first year students in Karachi, following concerns over discrepancies in science subject results.

The approval includes 15%, additional marks in Physics and Mathematics, and 20% in Chemistry, Express News reported. The decision was announced by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah during a press conference on Tuesday at the Sindh Assembly building.

The approval was based on the findings of a fact-finding committee headed by former NED University Vice Chancellor Dr Sarosh Lodhi. The committee was formed under the convenorship of Minister Sardar Shah to probe the poor performance of Karachi students in intermediate part-I (first year) results.

"The fact-finding report revealed that students in Karachi have been consistently underperforming over the last eight years," Shah said. "The committee found irregularities in the board’s administrative, assessment, IT, and examination systems."

He added, "We have evidence that students in Karachi were treated unfairly compared to those in other educational boards across Sindh. As a corrective measure, we are recommending grace marks in three core science subjects."

While the parliamentary committee has given its nod, the final approval lies with the Sindh chief minister. The official notification will be issued by the Department of Universities and Boards.

The committee has also recommended action against those responsible for the discrepancies and has requested a mandate from the Assembly to investigate further and identify those accountable.

The issue of government college performances was also raised, with the minister noting that results of these institutions may be individually reviewed for possible action.

MQM MPA Abdul Wasim pointed out that the students of Karachi were being penalised through lower marking, while students from other boards benefited from inflated results. “We have sought permission to scrutinise results from other educational boards across Sindh as well,” he said.