Uncertainty looms over grade 8 results

RAWALPINDI:

For the first time in Punjab's history, over one million Grade 8 students who appeared in both board and school annual examinations are still awaiting their final results, even two weeks after the start of the new academic session.

This year, students took board exams in four subjects—Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science—conducted by the Punjab Education Curriculum Assessment and Training Authority (PECTAA), while six other subjects were examined at the school level.

PECTAA has already announced its results, declaring 88% students passed and 12 per cent failed. However, the final combined result—incorporating both board and school exams—has yet to be issued, leaving students uncertain about promotion to Grade 9.

Teachers' associations say no clear instructions have been received from authorities regarding the final criteria. Schools have prepared their results, with a minimum passing threshold of 33 per cent in all subjects.

Students and parents have expressed frustration, stating that the delay is affecting their academic future. Students Faisal, Riaz, and Asghar demanded immediate announcement of results to plan ahead.

Education officials have instructed schools not to upload results or process promotions until clear guidelines are issued.