ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has announced a revised grading policy for matriculation and intermediate students. The decision followed a recent meeting of the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC).
According to the notification, the new grading system will apply to grades 9 and 11 from 2026. Meanwhile, grades 10 and 12 will follow the same system starting from the first annual examinations of 2027.
Revised Grading Scale Based on Percentages
Under the new framework, students will be assessed based on performance percentages instead of traditional numerical marks. The updated grading structure is as follows:
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A++ (Exceptional): 96% to 100%
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A+ (Outstanding): 91% to 95%
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A (Excellent): 86% to 90%
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B++ (Very Good): 81% to 85%
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B+ (Good): 76% to 80%
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B (Above Average): 71% to 75%
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C+ (Satisfactory): 61% to 70%
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C (Adequate): 51% to 60%
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D (Marginal): 40% to 50%
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Ungraded: Below 40%
Students who receive an ungraded result will have the opportunity to retake exams in those subjects to improve their standing.
Objective of the New Policy
Officials explained that the new grading system aims to enhance assessment transparency and ensure fair evaluation across all educational boards.
Moreover, the revised structure seeks to align Pakistan’s examination system with international standards followed in many advanced countries.
Focus on Learning Over Marks
The FBISE emphasized that the updated policy will help reduce examination pressure on students. By moving away from rote memorization and marks-based competition, the board hopes to promote critical thinking and conceptual understanding.
The policy represents a major shift in Pakistan’s approach to student evaluation, emphasizing learning outcomes rather than numerical scores.
