Sindh approves new grading system for matric, intermediate exams

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday approved a new grading system for matriculation and intermediate examinations across all provincial education boards, replacing the traditional marks-based system with a modern grading structure.

Universities and Boards Minister Ismail Rahoo said the decision was taken in line with policy directives of the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) to ensure uniformity among education boards nationwide. He added that the grading reform would eventually pave the way for the introduction of a Grade Point Average (GPA) system once the framework is fully implemented.

According to an official notification, the approval follows IBCC’s endorsement of the grading system during its meeting held in August last year. The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education had already announced a revised grading formula in October for Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary School Certificate examinations.

Under the federal board’s timeline, the new grading scheme will be implemented from the First Annual Examinations 2026 for SSC-I and HSSC-I, and from the First Annual Examinations 2027 for SSC-II and HSSC-II.

As per the new policy, students’ performance will be evaluated through grades instead of numerical marks, with a minimum passing threshold set at 40%. Candidates scoring below this level will be declared ‘U’ (ungraded), while those who fail will be allowed to reappear in examinations subject to other conditions.

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Under the approved grading structure, students securing 96% to 100% marks will be awarded an A++ grade, termed “Extraordinary,” while those scoring 91% to 95% will receive an A+ grade, classified as “Exceptional.” Marks between 86% and 90% will correspond to an A grade, labeled “Outstanding.”

Students obtaining 81% to 85% will be awarded a B++ grade (“Excellent”), while those scoring 76% to 80% will receive a B+ grade (“Very Good”). Scores between 71% and 75% will be graded as B (“Good”), 61% to 70% as C+ (“Fairly Good”), and 51% to 60% as C (“Above Average”). Candidates securing 40% to 50% will be given a D grade, described as “Emerging.”

Officials said the reform aims to reduce unhealthy competition, improve assessment standards and align Pakistan’s examination system with international practices.