The new grading system is a 10-point grading system (A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D, E, U), whereas the previous system was based on a 7-point grading system (A-1, A, B, C, D, E, F).
The changes in the new grading system are as follows:
- Shift from the 7-point alphabetical grading (A-1, A, B, C, D, E, F) system to a 10-point grading system, which includes grades such as A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D, E, and U.
- The passing percentage is set at 40% instead of the prior standards of 33%.
- Instead of reporting absolute scores and grades, only alphabetical grades represented with the Grade Points will be reported. The grade points will aid in calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
The new grading system has been introduced by IBCC to minimize the culture of competition among students and to shield them from the psychological pressure of society to obtain maximum marks. It provides a more accurate reflection of student’s achievements through a 10-point grading scheme.
As per initial implementation plan it was to come into effect from starting of the academic year 2023 in first phase, and fully adopted by the year 2025. However, the implementation of the first phase is still pending due to awaited approvals from the controlling authorities of regional education boards.
Being a major reform, the transition is gradual to allow various stakeholders to understand and adjust to the new grading system effectively. This “phase approach” will ensure a smooth transition and minimized disruption to the education system.
Absolute scores will also be reported alongside grades and grade points in first and second phase to help stakeholders understand the reporting of results. In third phase the result will be reported by only grades, GPs, GPAs and CGPA to minimize the culture of competition and to shield students from the psychological pressure of society to obtain maximum marks by bracketing them into a group.
The new grading system aims to be fairer and more transparent, accurately reflecting students’ learning and achievements. While the calculation method for grades may change, the goal remains to provide a precise assessment of performance in the course.
Yes, the degree of passing the examination has increased, with passing marks now set at 40%, compared to the prior standards of 33%.
The new grading system emphasizes accurate reflection of learning and achievements. To attain grades i.e. A, A+, and A++, students need to meet specific descriptors (remarkable, outstanding, exceptional) rather than compare to the old grading system. Scoring within the ranges (e.g., 70%-74%, 75%-79%, 80%-85%) determines grades like B, B+, or B++. For example, scoring 72% would result in a B, described as Good, under the new grading policy.
The new grading system introduces a 10-point scale and replaces numerical marks with letter grades and GPA values i.e., A++, A+, B, etc., which standardizes assessment across boards and aligns with international grading practices. This system is aimed at reducing pressure for high marks and addressing issues like grade inflation, promoting a more balanced evaluation of student performance.
Early feedback suggests mixed reactions; while some welcome the emphasis on GPA over numerical scores, others have concerns about transitioning from a marks-based to a purely grade-based system. Ongoing adjustments are anticipated as IBCC incorporates stakeholder input
The GPA-based grading and 10-point letter scale align with international education systems, allowing for better comparability and acceptance of Pakistani qualifications abroad. The letter grading, similar to systems used in the US and IB, is expected to facilitate international equivalence.
The GPA and CGPA will now be calculated directly from letter grades instead of marks, with grades like A++ (95-100%) being the highest, scoring a GPA of 5.0. This shift will provide a standardized scale for GPA calculation across boards.
By shifting the focus from marks to GPA, the system aims to curb grade inflation and discourage competition purely based on high marks, which often led to inflated scores. This change promotes more meaningful assessment of academic performance.
IBCC has not indicated specific exceptions yet. However, feedback from schools and universities might lead to potential refinements in the policy to cater to special cases in the future.
Shifting to this new grading system requires extensive adaptation at the institutional and student levels. Challenges include familiarizing teachers and students with the new scale, updating administrative procedures, and aligning scholarship criteria
No specific provisions for students with special needs have been announced yet, though IBCC may consider accommodations as they receive feedback on the new system.
IBCC provides comprehensive resources, including FAQs and guidelines on its website, to help students, parents, and teachers understand and adapt to the new grading structure. Additionally, IBCC actively collaborates with educational boards and member institutions to enhance understanding through professional development initiatives. This includes organizing workshops, free training sessions, and specialized orientation programs, especially for regional and provincial teachers. These sessions equip educators with essential insights and teaching strategies, motivating them to apply the grading policy effectively in their classrooms.
Yes, your respective boards will provide explanations of the criteria for the new grading system.
No, it will not.
All examination boards (private and public) in Pakistan are required to implement the new grading system as per the resolution of the IBCC Forum, except the foreign examination boards operating in Pakistan.
No.
No, the grade point system will have no effect on the paper pattern or marking.
No, the new grading system will not impact the level of difficulty of the examination paper.
No, the conduct and administration of the examination will remain the same.
No, in such a case, the old grading system shall be applied.
No, the curriculum will remain the same.
Yes, the respective board will communicate the changes accordingly.
IBCC encourages all schools to revisit their grading criteria and align with the new grading policy to familiarize students and teachers with and adjust to the new grading system.
Yes, the policy has been communicated to HEC, PEC, and PMDC.
From 2023-2024, universities may refer to CGPA or grades provided by the examination boards, or they may continue using raw scores for admission purposes. However, starting from 2025, all colleges and universities will refer to CGPA only for admissions as raw marks will not be shown on the mark sheet.
The qualifications are not affected by this change in the grading policy as the scheme of studies shall remain the same. However, universities will now formulate admission policies based on GPA and CGPA awarded using the new grading system.