New matric, intermediate grading policy announced in Sindh

Sindh has introduced a new grading system for matriculation and intermediate levels, effective from the 2026 annual examinations. Initially, the system will apply to 9th and 11th grades in 2026, while 10th and 12th grades will adopt it from 2027.

The Department of Universities and Boards, with the approval of the relevant minister and the recommendation of the Inter-Board Coordination Committee (IBCC), issued the official notification. Under the new system, passing marks have been raised from 33 to 40, and candidates scoring below 40 will be considered “ungraded”.

Results will now be released per subject, following a style similar to the Cambridge Board, though GPA (Grade Point Average) will not be implemented immediately. The policy removes GPA and CGPA, which were previously part of the system, as many universities in Pakistan are not yet ready to admit students based on GPA. Boards and universities agreed that GPA will be omitted for now, and the new policy will be implemented without GPA from 2026.

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Students scoring less than 40 in any subject will receive a “U” grade, considered ungraded, whereas previously the U grade was classified as unsatisfactory.

The passing marks for all subjects at matric and intermediate levels have been increased from 33 to 40. Each subject will now be graded individually. Under the previous system, students securing 80–100% marks received an A1 grade.

Under the new policy, marks from 81–100% will be divided into four grades:

• 96–100: Extraordinary (A++)

• 91–95: Exceptional (A+)

• 86–90: Outstanding (A)

• 81–85: Excellent (B++)

Additional grades include B+, B, C+, C, D, and U, corresponding to Very Good, Good, Fair Good, Above Average, Emerging, and Ungraded, respectively.