Matric, intermediate grading policy faces delay as Punjab and Balochistan have not issued notifications despite nationwide approval for 2026 exams.
Pakistan’s new grading policy for matric and intermediate examinations is facing uncertainty as two major provinces have yet to formally implement it. The policy was approved at the national level for uniform enforcement starting with the 2026 annual exams.
The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) and the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference had agreed to introduce the revised grading framework across all provinces and Azad Kashmir. However, Punjab and Balochistan have not issued official notifications, raising concerns as exams approach.
Under the new system, passing marks for Classes 9 and 11 will increase from 33 percent to 40 percent. Students will also be required to pass each subject separately, a move aimed at improving academic standards and ensuring better evaluation.
Education officials say the policy is essential to maintain uniformity, especially for university admissions. Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad have already adopted the policy and begun preparations for implementation.
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Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of IBCC, warned that different grading systems across provinces could create serious problems for students applying to universities. He said universities plan to prepare merit lists based on the new grading criteria.
Officials emphasized that synchronized implementation is critical to avoid confusion and ensure fairness in admissions and academic evaluation nationwide.
