The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has announced a significant change in the way students will be graded in matriculation exams. The new system replaces traditional marks with letter grades and introduces a GPA system, which aims to modernize student assessment and make results clearer.
Class 9 students will follow the new system from this academic year, while Class 10 students will be assessed under it starting 2027.
Under the revised scheme, the old “fail” designation has been removed and replaced with a “U grade.” Students scoring between 96 and 100% will earn an A++ grade, while those falling below 40% will receive a U. Only those achieving 40% or above will be declared successful. To support students, the board has also introduced a supplementary examination system for those who do not meet the minimum requirement.
The GPA system, introduced on an interim basis, aims at helping students, parents, and teachers better understand overall performance and academic insights. Education experts say this move aligns Karachi with international assessment practices and provides a clearer picture of student achievements, though some students and parents may need time to adjust to the change.
The BSEK hopes the new grading method will encourage students to focus on consistent learning rather than short-term cramming for marks. As schools adapt to the revised system, teachers are expected to play a key role in helping students understand their progress through continuous feedback and support.