The IBCC forum approves nationwide measures to shift exams from rote learning to conceptual assessment, raise passing marks to 40% and improve transparency.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan has approved a series of major reforms aimed at standardising the country’s examination and assessment system, with authorities seeking to shift education away from rote learning and towards conceptual understanding.
The decisions were taken at the 184th meeting of the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) Forum, which brought together education board officials from across the country.
Exams to focus on conceptual learning
Under the approved reforms, examination systems will gradually move away from testing students primarily on memorisation.
The new approach will place greater emphasis on understanding, concepts and genuine learning.
The IBCC said the measures are intended to create a more transparent, student-friendly and internationally comparable assessment system.
Minimum passing marks set at 40%
One of the major changes involves the revised grading policy.
The minimum passing marks have been increased to 40%.
The new grading policy has already been implemented by several examination boards, including boards in Sindh, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Mirpur AJK, Karakoram International University, Aga Khan and Ziauddin.
Awareness sessions and workshops are also planned to help boards and students understand the revised grading system.
B Form or CNIC numbers to be added to certificates
The forum also approved a measure aimed at improving the transparency and verification of academic records.
B Form or CNIC numbers will be included on SSC and HSSC certificates.
The move is expected to make student records easier to identify, access and verify while strengthening the reliability of educational documentation.
Uniform examination calendar planned
The IBCC agreed to develop a uniform calendar for theory and practical examinations across the country.
Common guidelines and procedures for practical examinations will also be prepared to promote greater consistency among different examination boards.
The move is aimed at reducing differences in examination practices and ensuring greater fairness for students across Pakistan.
E-marking to improve transparency
The forum also emphasised the expansion of e-marking in the examination system.
IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah praised the introduction of e-marking by educational boards in Sindh, describing it as an important development for improving transparency, efficiency and credibility.
Technology-based assessment is expected to reduce inconsistencies and improve the monitoring of the marking process.
Scholarships and overseas opportunities for top students
The reforms also include new opportunities for high-achieving students.
IBCC will provide scholarships and overseas exposure opportunities to board position holders.
Winter and summer camps will also be organised for high-performing students to provide additional educational, leadership and learning opportunities.
More religious seminaries recommended for equivalence
The IBCC forum recommended 12 additional religious seminaries for equivalence of their qualifications with SSC and HSSC certificates.
Once included, the number of religious seminaries covered under the equivalence framework will rise to 26.
The forum also approved greater flexibility for students from foreign examination boards.
Students who have passed at least two science subjects will be eligible for Science Group equivalence under the revised rules.
Towards a standardised national system
The latest decisions form part of a broader effort to create a more uniform examination system across Pakistan.
The IBCC said stronger coordination among examination, technical, curriculum and textbook boards would be necessary to ensure consistent implementation.
Officials said the long-term objective is to develop an examination system that assesses understanding rather than memory, makes greater use of technology and strengthens the national and international credibility of Pakistani qualifications.
The reforms are expected to be implemented progressively through the country’s examination boards.
