Pakistan rolls out new, improved grading system for SSC, HSSC exams

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**ISLAMABAD:** The Ministry of Education has announced a new grading system for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, transitioning from numerical scores to a grade-based evaluation system.

The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) revealed that this change aims to enhance "fairness, transparency, and accuracy in student evaluation." The phased implementation will begin with the 2024 academic year, starting with grades 9 (SSC) and 11 (HSSC).

For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, universities will accept both the old and new grading systems. However, starting in 2025, colleges and universities will only consider Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) and grades for admissions.

According to the Ministry of Education, the new policy will replace the traditional marking system with Grade Point Averages or Cumulative Grade Point Averages. Additionally, a 10-point grading system will be introduced, moving away from the existing 7-point scale. The new grading scale will range from A++ to U, with the passing mark raised from 33% to 40%. 

"A++ will signify exceptional performance, while A and B grades will indicate strong academic achievement," stated the ministry.

The board emphasized that this new grading system is designed to "control grading inflation, reduce competition for maximum marks, and ensure a more accurate reflection of student learning and achievement." The details of the new grading system will be outlined on students' result slips.

In Sindh province, officials have already approved the new policy. "Students will no longer compete for top positions; the focus will now be on overall performance rather than ranks," stated Secretary of Boards and Universities Abbas Baloch in a notification.

Other regions, including the federal capital, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, also approved the new grading policy on Thursday.

### Impact on the Education System

The new grading system will increase the difficulty level of passing the SSC and HSSC examinations, and a grace marks policy will be introduced to assist students. Furthermore, teaching practices may need adjustments, and students will receive descriptive feedback.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have all been notified about these changes.

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