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Islamabad, 8 October 2025 — The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), in coordination with the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), has announced a sweeping reform to the grading system for matriculation and intermediate students. The changes, set to roll out in phases, aim to shift evaluation from raw marks toward performance percentages, intending to boost transparency and align the system with international practices.
When Does the New System Start?
- For grades 9 and 11, the new policy will take effect with the 2026 annual examinations.
- For grades 10 and 12, implementation will begin with the 2027 first annual exams.
This phased approach is meant to give students, schools, and boards time to adjust.
The Revised Grading Scale
Under the new policy, students will receive letter grades (rather than purely marks), tied to performance percentiles. The structure is:
| Grade | Performance Range | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| A++ (Exceptional) | 96% to 100% | Highest tier |
| A+ (Outstanding) | 91% to 95% | |
| A (Excellent) | 86% to 90% | |
| B++ (Very Good) | 81% to 85% | |
| B+ (Good) | 76% to 80% | |
| B (Above Average) | 71% to 75% | |
| C+ (Satisfactory) | 61% to 70% | |
| C (Adequate) | 51% to 60% | |
| D (Marginal) | 40% to 50% | |
| Ungraded | Below 40% | Fails / requires retake in that subject |
Students who fall into the “Ungraded” category for a subject will be eligible for a retake of that specific subject under the new policy.
An important change: the minimum passing threshold has been raised. Previously, a student could pass with 33% in many boards; under the new system, that floor is now 40%.
Why This Change? Goals, Challenges & Reactions
Objectives & Intent
Education officials say the new system is designed to:
- Enhance transparency and fairness in assessment
- Shift emphasis away from rote learning and “marks chasing”
- Harmonize Pakistan’s system with international grading norms
- Reduce undue pressure and competitiveness among students
These goals are echoed in IBCC’s own statements, which emphasize that the old 7-point grading model is being replaced by a 10-point scale (A++ through U) for SSC/HSSC exams.
Challenges, Implementation Risks & Concerns
- Transition difficulties: Students, teachers, and schools accustomed to the old marks system may struggle to adapt quickly.
- University admissions & equivalence: How will universities interpret these grades in admission criteria? Some may continue to demand marks or equivalence conversion systems.
- Perception of “Ungraded”: Being declared ungraded (below 40%) could carry stigma, and retake mechanisms must be fair and accessible.
- Consistency across boards: The FBISE and IBCC reforms may need alignment with provincial boards to avoid fragmentation or inequities.
- Legal & logistical aspects: Printing new result slips, training examiners, and revising reporting systems demand investment and coordination.
Reactions
Some education analysts welcome the change, saying it could help discourage overemphasis on marks. Others are skeptical: they argue that the issue is not the grading scale but the quality of teaching, resources, and infrastructure.
