The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has introduced a new grading policy for matric and intermediate students, which will take effect in the coming years. The announcement was made after a meeting of the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC).
According to the new plan, the system will begin with grade 9 and 11 examinations in 2026. For grade 10 and 12 students, the revised policy will be applied from the first annual exams of 2027.
Under the updated framework, grades will now be awarded based on performance percentages instead of traditional marks. The new scale includes:
A++ (Exceptional): 96%–100%
A+ (Outstanding): 91%–95%
A (Excellent): 86%–90%
B++ (Very Good): 81%–85%
B+ (Good): 76%–80%
B (Above Average): 71%–75%
C+ (Satisfactory): 61%–70%
C (Adequate): 51%–60%
D (Marginal): 40%–50%
Ungraded: Below 40%
Students who fall into the ungraded category will have the chance to retake exams in those subjects.
Officials from the education board explained that this new grading system is designed to ensure fairness, improve transparency in assessment, and bring Pakistan’s examination structure closer to international standards. The change is also aimed at reducing pressure on students by moving away from marks-based competition and rote learning, encouraging instead a broader evaluation of performance.
