The Inter-Board Coordination Committee (IBCC) has made significant changes to the passing and grace marks for board examinations across Pakistan. These changes are designed to encourage students and improve the promotion rate in schools and colleges. The decision was taken during a meeting with representatives from various educational boards. The new rules will be implemented from the 2025 examinations onwards. This reform aims to set higher academic standards, help students who are struggling, and streamline examination procedures.
Table of Content
Key Changes in Passing and Grace Marks
The IBCC has made two major changes that will affect students’ performance:
| Aspect | Previous Policy | New Policy (Effective from 2025) |
| Passing Marks | 33% | 40% |
| Grace Marks | 3 marks | 5 marks |
The passing marks for each subject will be raised from 33% to 40%. This is expected to encourage students to focus more on their studies and strive for higher academic achievement. The grace marks, which were previously capped at 3 marks, will now increase to 5 marks, offering more flexibility to students who are just shy of the passing threshold.
Increase in Passing Marks
- The IBCC has raised passing marks from 33% to 40%.
- This change aims to improve the standard of education in Pakistan.
- Students will need to perform better to pass their exams.
- The increase ensures that students who pass are more academically prepared.
- The goal is to motivate students to work harder and achieve better results.
- While it may be harder for some students to pass, the change is designed to enhance academic performance.
Expansion of Grace Marks
Previously, if a student scored 30 marks in a subject, they would receive 3 grace marks to pass. Under the new system, students who score 35 marks will receive 5 grace marks, allowing them to meet the new passing threshold of 40%. The increase in grace marks will help students who are close to passing but need a little extra support. However, the IBCC has clarified that this provision of grace marks will be limited, ensuring that it does not become a loophole for students failing multiple subjects.
Limitations on Grace Marks
While grace marks have been increased, they are not available to all students. The new policy will not allow grace marks for students who fail more than two subjects. This limitation ensures that students take their exams seriously and do not rely too heavily on grace marks to pass. The IBCC aims to maintain fairness and avoid making the examination system too lenient, which could undermine its credibility.
Uniform Examination Schedule
The IBCC has also worked to standardize examination schedules across all provinces. Starting from 2025, matriculation exams will begin in March, and intermediate exams will follow in April. The results for both matric and intermediate levels will be announced in June and July, respectively. This uniform schedule is designed to address issues such as delayed university admissions, particularly for medical and dental colleges. It will also streamline the academic calendar across provinces, helping schools and colleges plan better and avoid overlapping exam schedules.
Development of Model Assessment Framework (MAF)
Along with the changes in passing and grace marks, the IBCC has been working on a Model Assessment Framework (MAF) to standardize examination and assessment procedures across all regions. The MAF will ensure that students in different provinces are assessed in a similar way, promoting fairness and consistency in exams. The IBCC has also endorsed the creation of a Digital Question Item Bank, which will be aligned with the MAF, to modernize the exam system and ensure better quality control in assessments.
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Support for Orphan Students
In another positive step, the IBCC has approved the waiver of registration and examination fees for orphan students. An “orphan status” column will be added to the examination registration forms, allowing these students to receive targeted support. This initiative will help reduce the financial burden on orphan students and ensure that they can access education without the worry of paying examination fees.
Conclusion
The IBCC’s new measures, including the increase in passing marks, grace marks, and the uniform examination schedule, are a welcome change in Pakistan’s education system. These reforms are designed to encourage students to perform better academically, streamline examination processes, and provide targeted support to students who need it the most, including orphans. By implementing these changes, the IBCC aims to improve the quality of education across the country and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
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FAQs
What are the new passing marks for board examinations?
The passing marks have been increased from 33% to 40% for each subject.
How many grace marks can students receive under the new system?
Students who score 35 marks will receive 5 grace marks, which will help them meet the new passing threshold of 40%.
Are grace marks available for students failing more than two subjects?
No, students who fail more than two subjects will not be eligible for grace marks under the new policy.