The Inter-Board Coordination Commission, under the new grading policy, has increased the pass percentage at intermediate and matric levels from 33% to 40% across the country.
The commission, an official forum representing all education boards in Pakistan, issued a notification on Tuesday announcing the implementation of a new grading policy, which will come into force. in stages from 2026 for the baccalaureate and intermediate annual exams.
However, the updated policy excludes the Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) systems, which were part of the earlier proposed framework.
According to the notification, the decision was taken at a meeting of heads of all education boards, held in Karachi last month. COPIB has now officially notified the implementation schedule.
Talk to Express NewsCOPIB executive director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah said the change was made after several universities expressed reservations about adopting admissions based on cumulative average at this stage.
“During the forum meeting in Karachi, it was observed that many universities are not yet ready to offer admissions based on GPA system. Universities advised that the new grading policy should initially be implemented without GPA, and the education boards accepted this,” Dr Mallah said. “Therefore, the new grading policy will be implemented from 2026 without GPA,” he added.
The COPIB notification also confirmed that the inclusion of GPA in the national grading system has been postponed until further notice.
Rating according to the new system
The new grading model, inspired by the Cambridge assessment structure, will introduce multi-letter grades for high-achieving students.
Previously, students scoring between 80 and 100% received an A1 grade. Under the new system, this range will be divided into four new categories: 96 to 100%: A++ (extraordinary), 91 to 95%: A+ (exceptional), 86 to 90%: A (exceptional), 81 to 85%: B++ (excellent). Other grades will include B+ (very good), B (good), C+ (fairly good), C (above average), D (emerging), and U (not rated).
The IBCC said the policy will be implemented in grades nine and eleven in 2026, followed by grades ten and twelfth in 2027, ensuring a gradual transition across all school boards in the country.
FBISE also introduces a new scoring formula
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has also introduced a new grading formula aimed at improving academic standards and aligning Pakistan’s education system with international practices.
According to a notification issued by Director Test Development Mirza Ali, the new marking system will be implemented for matriculation exams from 2026, while intermediate students (FA and FSc) will follow the new structure from 2027.
This decision follows the guidelines and decisions of the Inter-Board Coordination Commission, which previously approved a similar national framework for all school boards.
Learn more: Education Department Proposes to Increase Passing Score Threshold
Under the new system, students scoring 96-100% will be graded A++, those scoring 91-95% will be graded A+ and 86-90% will be graded A. Similarly, 81-85% will be B++, 76-80% will be B+ and 71-75% will be B. Students scoring 61-70% will be C+, 51 will be 60% will get C and those who obtain 40 to 50% will receive a grade of D (emerging).
Students scoring less than 40% marks will be designated as “unmarked”. The notification also said that ‘unmarked’ students will be allowed to reappear in the exams provided they meet other academic requirements.
Education experts said the new grading system would more accurately reflect student performance and provide fairer assessment opportunities. “The new system is designed to present a more transparent assessment of students’ abilities and align with global standards,” said an educationist.
The FBISE said the reform is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s examination and assessment system, making it more credible and internationally comparable.
