The Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has announced a landmark policy change allowing students from an arts background at matric level to enroll in pre-medical and pre-engineering groups at the intermediate (HSSC) level. The notification was issued on Friday and will take effect from the first annual examinations of 2026.
The decision was taken during the IBCC Forum’s 183rd meeting, held on December 4-5, 2025, after consultations with key educational bodies, including the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Curriculum Council (NCC), and provincial curriculum authorities. The forum unanimously approved the proposal, stating that arts students who pass SSC may now register for HSSC pre-medical and pre-engineering groups.
Implementation and Board-Level Measures
The IBCC notification emphasized that respective education boards may implement additional measures to ensure uniformity across institutions. These measures could include setting minimum marks or merit thresholds, conducting placement or aptitude tests, and other evaluation mechanisms. Final decisions regarding aptitude or placement tests will be made at the individual board level, subject to approval from boards of governors or other competent forums.
All education boards in Pakistan have been formally informed of the new policy. The IBCC also highlighted a related update for O/A level students: those passing two major subjects will now receive equivalence in the science group instead of humanities.
Future Reforms and Broader Opportunities
During the meeting, the IBCC forum discussed a proposal to merge separate science and arts groups at matriculation into a single Secondary School Certificate (SSC) with flexible elective subject choices. This proposal will be further debated before any final decision is made.
IBCC Executive Director Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah stated that the reform aims to provide broader opportunities for students. He said, “Rigid and narrowed policies limited student options. Any student capable of clearing FSc curriculum should be allowed to sit for the exam.”
Dr. Mallah clarified that although the notification specifically mentions pre-medical and pre-engineering, arts students can now also choose other groups, including ICS and I.Com. The focus on medical and engineering streams reflects the main concern previously raised by students and stakeholders.
This historic decision is expected to open new avenues for arts students, giving them more flexibility in career choices and academic pathways.
