Matric & Inter New Grading Scheme

New Grading System for Matric and Inter Postponed Until 2026: 2025 Results to Follow Existing Scheme

KARACHI – The government of Sindh, in coordination with federal and inter-board authorities, has officially delayed the implementation of the revised grading policy for matriculation (SSC) and intermediate (HSC) examinations until 2026. This decision affects all educational boards under the jurisdiction of Sindh as well as other provincial boards across Pakistan.

A notification issued by the Sindh Universities and Boards Department has confirmed that students who appeared in the 2025 annual examinations will be assessed under the existing marking scheme. The notification references two key directives: the original announcement dated October 15, 2024, and a follow-up circular from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) issued on June 18, 2025. Based on these developments, the new grading structure is now scheduled to take effect from the academic session starting in 2026.

Reason for Postponement

According to board officials and education department sources, the decision to postpone stems from several factors:

• Inadequate preparation time for schools and examination bodies
• Concerns over fair implementation and uniform understanding of the new system
• Lack of updated training and materials for evaluators
• Feedback from school administrations and parents highlighting confusion around the GPA-based evaluation

This postponement aims to allow a smoother and more consistent rollout of the policy, avoiding disruption in students’ academic progression.

Highlights of the New Grading Policy (Now Effective from 2026)

Originally planned for the 2025 session, the revised grading scheme aims to shift away from percentage-based marks to a modern Grade Point and GPA-based evaluation system. Key features include:

• Passing Marks Raised: The minimum passing criteria in all subjects will rise from 33% to 40%.
• Grading Format: Traditional marks will be replaced by grades and GPA, bringing Pakistan’s system closer to international standards.
• Terminology Change: Students failing to secure 40% will no longer be labeled as “Fail” but rather as having “Unsatisfactory” performance, to soften the psychological impact.

Detailed New Grading Scale (2026 Onwards)

Marks (%)	Grade	Description	GPA
95–100	A++	Exceptional	5.0
90–94	A+	Outstanding	4.7
85–89	A	Excellent	4.3
80–84	B++	Very Good	4.0
75–79	B+	Good	3.7
70–74	B	Fairly Good	3.3
60–69	C	Above Average	3.0
50–59	D	Average	2.0
40–49	E	Below Average	1.0
Below 40	U	Unsatisfactory (Fail)	0.0

This revamped scale introduces nuanced academic recognition and is expected to enhance students’ competitiveness for national and international educational opportunities.

Current System (Still in Use for 2025 Exams)

Until the new system is enforced:

• Passing marks remain at 33%.
• Results are released as raw percentages.
• No GPA or grade banding is used.
• The term “Fail” is still applicable for students scoring below the pass threshold.

Stakeholder Reactions

Many educationalists and school administrators have welcomed the delay, stating that it allows more time for infrastructure development and awareness. However, some critics argue that repeated delays reflect poor planning and a lack of urgency in modernizing Pakistan’s educational evaluation system.

What’s Next?

The Boards are expected to spend the coming academic year:

• Conducting orientation workshops for teachers and evaluators
• Printing new grading guidelines for schools
• Training paper checkers to apply GPA metrics consistently
• Rolling out awareness campaigns for students and parents

Once fully implemented in 2026, the new system is anticipated to standardize performance measurement across the country and align Pakistani education more closely with international systems like O/A Levels, IB, and American grading scales.