Home
National
International
Merit list
Date Sheet
Result
Admission
Study Abroad
Federal Board Introduces New 10-Point Grading Criteria for Matric and Intermediate Students
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially announced a major reform in its evaluation system by introducing a new 10-point grading criteria for matric (SSC) and intermediate (HSSC) students. The new grading structure will be implemented starting from the First Annual Examinations 2026 for FBISE SSC-I and FBISE HSSC-I, and from 2027 for FBISE SSC-II and FBISE HSSC-II levels.
The decision has been made in accordance with the directives of the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), which approved the proposal during its 182nd meeting held in August 2025. This marks a significant shift from the previous grading system, which had fewer grading tiers and limited differentiation in student performance.
Details of the New 10-Point Grading Scale
According to the official notification issued by FBISE on October 7, 2025, the updated grading system introduces a more detailed and comprehensive evaluation scale. This 10-tier system aims to better reflect students’ academic abilities, distinguishing between different levels of achievement with greater accuracy.
The new grading structure is as follows:
| Marks (%) | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 96 – 100 | A++ | Extraordinary |
| 91 – 95 | A+ | Exceptional |
| 86 – 90 | A | Outstanding |
| 81 – 85 | B++ | Excellent |
| 76 – 80 | B+ | Very Good |
| 71 – 75 | B | Good |
| 61 – 70 | C+ | Fairly Good |
| 51 – 60 | C | Above Average |
| 40 – 50 | D | Emerging |
| Below 40 | U | Ungraded (Fail) |
This reformed structure introduces new grade distinctions such as A++, B++, and C+, which were not part of the earlier evaluation method. These additions are designed to reward high-performing students and motivate others to aim for improved performance.
Implementation Schedule
The new grading system will be implemented in phases to ensure a smooth transition:
-
SSC-I and HSSC-I (Part-I): First Annual Exams 2026
-
SSC-II and HSSC-II (Part-II): First Annual Exams 2027
This phased implementation allows both students and educational institutions to adapt to the new system without confusion or academic disruption.
Purpose of the New Grading System
According to FBISE officials, the new 10-point grading system has been designed to enhance fairness, transparency, and comparability in student evaluations. The change aligns the Federal Board’s grading criteria with international education standards and aims to reduce the pressure on students caused by narrow grade boundaries.
The Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) emphasized that this reform will help standardize the grading criteria across all boards in Pakistan, ensuring equal opportunities for students nationwide.
Remarks from Education Authorities
An FBISE spokesperson stated that the decision reflects the board’s commitment to academic excellence and student welfare.
“The introduction of this 10-tier grading scale will make assessment more detailed and equitable. It recognizes a wider range of student performance levels rather than grouping large percentages under a single grade,” the spokesperson explained.
The IBCC further highlighted that such improvements are part of a long-term plan to modernize the examination and grading system in Pakistan. Similar reforms are expected to be adopted by other educational boards in the coming years.
Impact on Students and Institutions
The new grading policy is expected to have several positive impacts:
-
Encourages Academic Motivation:
Students who narrowly missed a higher grade in the old system will now have more room for recognition, thanks to the finer distinctions between grades like B++, B+, and B. -
Reduces Academic Pressure:
With a broader grading spectrum, students are likely to feel less pressure, as performance differences will be reflected more fairly. -
Improves Merit Determination:
Universities and colleges will benefit from a more transparent and precise evaluation scale when considering applicants for higher education programs. -
International Compatibility:
The new system brings FBISE closer to international grading standards used in countries like the UK and the US, enhancing global academic recognition.
Reappearance Policy for Ungraded Students
As per the notification, students who receive a grade “U” (Ungraded) — meaning they score below 40% — will be required to reappear in the same subject if they meet the eligibility criteria. This ensures that only students who meet the minimum academic standards progress to the next level.
FBISE’s Vision for Quality Education
The Federal Board continues to focus on improving assessment methods, curriculum alignment, and digital examination systems to ensure transparency and efficiency. The introduction of the 10-point grading system is seen as a major milestone in FBISE’s modernization journey, aiming to provide a fairer reflection of student capabilities.
Education experts have praised this initiative, calling it a progressive step toward a more student-centered evaluation model. By distinguishing academic performance more accurately, the system is expected to foster competitiveness, encourage effort, and support continuous learning.
The new 10-point grading criteria introduced by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) marks a historic change in Pakistan’s education system. Effective from 2026, the updated grading policy ensures that student achievements are assessed more precisely, reducing disparities and aligning Pakistan’s education evaluation system with international standards.
This reform not only benefits students under the Federal Board but also sets a precedent for other educational boards across the country to adopt similar progressive measures, fostering a culture of excellence and fairness in academic assessment.
.jpg)
