New grading system introduced for SSC, HSSC exams

Islamabad: The education ministry has introduced a new grading system for secondary and higher secondary school exams, moving away from numerical scores to a grade-based evaluation.

According to the ministry, from the 2024 academic year, exam results will be presented through grades rather than marks. The shift will first apply to students in 9th and 11th grades, with wider implementation expected by 2025.

"The new policy will phase out the traditional system of awarding marks. Students will now receive Grade Point Averages or Cumulative Grade Point Averages," the ministry said in a statement.

The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen has decided to implement a 10-point grading system, replacing the current 7-point scale. The new grades will range from A++ to U, with pass marks raised from 33% to 40%. "A++ will represent exceptional performance, while A and B grades will reflect strong academic achievement," the ministry said.

In the province of Sindh, officials have already approved the new policy.

"Students will no longer compete for top positions. The focus is now on overall performance rather than ranks," Secretary of Boards and Universities Abbas Baloch said in a notification. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan have yet to adopt the new system.