Edu dept proposes raising passing marks threshold

Move aims to eliminate rote learning, improve educational system

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RAWALPINDI:

The Education Department has proposed an increment in the passing marks for matriculation (9th and 10th grade) and intermediate (11th and 12th grade) examinations from 33 per cent to 40 per cent, to become applicable from the 2026 annual examinations.

The objective behind this move is to eliminate rote learning among students and to further improve the educational system.

This new policy will be implemented after a final consultation with the committee of chairpersons of all nine educational boards in the province.

For the current year, the passing marks will remain at 33 per cent. Under the existing policy, students must score at least 33 per cent in each subject, including the practical components of science subjects. However, under the new policy starting in 2026, the passing marks for each subject will be raised to 40 per cent. Moreover, the term "Fail" will be replaced with "Unsatisfactory."

A new grading system will also be introduced under this policy to enhance academic standards.

This policy will be applicable to all educational boards across the province, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur and DG Khan. Teacher organisations have welcomed the increase in passing marks.