Q: Why only Grade and Grade Points (GP) is reported in the result slip of the students from 2025 onward? A: To ensure a smooth transition, the new grading system is implemented in phases - first phase starts from 2023 for grades 9 (SSC) and grades 11 (HSSC). To ensure that stakeholders.
understand the reporting of the results, absolute scores will also be reported along with grades
and grade points.
Q: How will the new grading policy impact my overall performance assessment? A: The new grading system is designed to be fairer and more transparent, and to ensure that grades accurately reflect students' learning and achievement. It may mean that the way your grade is calculated, or the criteria used to assign grades may change, but ultimately the goal is to provide a more accurate assessment of performance in the course.
Q: Will the new grading system impact the examination performance? A: Yes. The level of difficulty to pass the examination has increased. The passing marks are now 40% whereas earlier it was 33%.
Q: Will the new grading system make it easier or harder to get an A in a course? A: The new grading system is designed to ensure that grades accurately reflect students' learning and achievement. With the new grading system, if you score within the range of 70% to 74% or 75% to 79%, 80% to 85%, then you receive B, B+ or B++. To achieve A, A+ and A++, you need to focus on meeting the specific descriptors (i.c., remarkable, outstanding, and exceptional) for those grades, rather than comparing yourself to the old grading system. For example, if you score 72%, under the new grading policy, you will receive a B, which is described as Good.
Q: Will there be an explanation to the new grading system in the result slip for parents' understanding? A: Yes. Your respective boards will explain the criteria on the new grading system.
Q: Will the new grading policy impact high achievers?
A: No.
Q: Which Examination Boards are implementing the new grading system? A: All examination boards (private and public) of Pakistan are required to implement the new grading system as per the resolution of IBCC Forum, except foreign examination boards operating in Pakistan.
Q: Will there be changes in the examination pattern? A: No
Q: Will the new grading system have any impact on the paper pattern and/or marking? A: No. The grade point system will have no impact on the paper pattern nor the marking.
Q: Will the new grading system impact the level of difficulty of the examination paper?
A: No. The new grading system will not impact the level of difficulty of the examination paper.
Q: Will there be any change in the administration of the examination. A: No. The conduct and administration of the examination remain same.
Q: Is the policy applicable if a student appearing for Grade X/XII in 2023 also appears for improvement (or was absent) in any subject of Grade IX/XI in 2022? A: No. In this case, the old grading system will be applied.
Q: Will there be any adjustments made to the curriculum to align with the new grading
system? A: No. The curriculum shall remain the same.
Q: Will there be any change in design/format of the SSC/ HSSC certificate too?
A: Yes. Your respective board will communicate the changes accordingly.
Q: Should all schools change their grading criteria?
A: The IBCC encourages all schools to revisit their grading criteria and align it with the new grading policy so that students and teachers become familiar and adjust to the new grading system.
Q: Is the HEC informed about the policy?
A: Yes. The policy has been communicated with HEC, PEC and PMDC.
Q: Do universities need to consider old grading system or new grading system during the admissions?
A: From 2023-2024 (in the next two academic years, university may refer to CGPA or grades provided by the examination boards, or they may continue using raw scores for the admission purpose. However, starting from 2025, all colleges and universities will refer to CGPA only for admissions as raw marks will not be shown in the marksheet.
Q: Will there be any disadvantage for students when applying to universities with the new grading system?
A: No.
Q:How will the new grading system impact admissions process and the qualifications required for entry intocollege/university courses?
A: The qualifications are not affected by this change in the grading policy as the scheme of studies is the same. Moreover, as a university you would have to formulate admission policy around the GPA and CGPA that will be awarded based on grade point assigned to each grade.