New Grading System Announced for Matric & Inter Students in Pakistan — A++ to D Scale Introduced by FBISE
In a major educational reform, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially introduced a new grading system for Matric and Intermediate students across Pakistan. This change marks the first major shift in the country’s academic evaluation process in years and aims to make student assessment more transparent, standardized, and motivating.
Starting from the academic year 2026, instead of only receiving numerical marks, students will also receive grades that clearly reflect their performance level — from A++ (96–100%) down to D (40–50%), while scores below 40% will be considered as Fail.
Why Pakistan’s New Grading System Matters
For decades, students in Pakistan have been judged solely based on marks — a system that often fails to showcase their true performance or effort. The new grading model by FBISE is designed to change that narrative.
The grading system will focus on recognizing students’ hard work, consistency, and understanding rather than just rote memorization. It’s expected to reduce unhealthy competition and exam stress while encouraging overall learning improvement.
According to education experts, this shift aligns Pakistan’s evaluation process with international standards, where letter grades are commonly used to measure both achievement and skill.
FBISE New Grading Scale 2025 (Effective from 2026 Exams)
Here’s a complete breakdown of the new grading criteria for Matric and Inter students under the FBISE system:
| Grade | Percentage Range | Performance Description |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | 96% – 100% | Outstanding / Exceptional |
| A+ | 91% – 95% | Excellent |
| A | 86% – 90% | Very Good |
| B++ | 81% – 85% | Good |
| B+ | 76% – 80% | Above Average |
| B | 71% – 75% | Average |
| C++ | 61% – 70% | Satisfactory |
| C | 51% – 60% | Acceptable |
| D | 40% – 50% | Needs Improvement |
| Fail | Below 40% | Unsatisfactory |
This revised structure ensures that students who perform well — even if not among the absolute top scorers — are recognized fairly through plus grades like A+, B+, and C++.
What Makes This System Different?
Unlike the previous model, which emphasized raw marks, the new grading system highlights qualitative performance. Here’s why this reform is being widely praised:
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Encourages Fair Evaluation: It reduces the emphasis on rote learning and focuses on overall understanding.
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Boosts Motivation: Students now have clear goals and incremental milestones to aim for.
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Aligns with Global Standards: The grading scale resembles systems used by Cambridge, IB, and other international boards.
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Promotes Transparency: Parents and students can easily interpret performance levels from grades instead of ambiguous mark ranges.
FBISE officials emphasized that this reform is not merely a grading update — it’s a shift in educational mindset aimed at improving learning outcomes nationwide.
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How Students and Teachers Are Reacting
Initial reactions from teachers and students have been largely positive. Educators believe that this change will reduce exam anxiety and help students focus more on learning rather than chasing marks.
Students, on the other hand, see it as an opportunity to get recognized for their consistent effort rather than losing merit over a few marks. The inclusion of A++ and B++ grades is particularly appreciated, as it allows for finer differentiation between excellent and good performers.
When Will the New Grading System Be Implemented?
The Federal Board has confirmed that the new grading policy will officially take effect from 2026 examinations. All schools affiliated with FBISE — both at the Matric and Intermediate levels — will follow this system. Provincial education boards are also expected to review and possibly adopt similar grading models in the near future.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the new FBISE grading system is a forward-thinking move that brings Pakistan’s education system closer to international standards. It not only enhances fairness and transparency but also helps students understand where they truly stand academically.
From 2026 onwards, grades like A++ and B+ won’t just be letters — they’ll represent excellence, determination, and dedication.
This shift sends a powerful message: Pakistan’s education system is evolving, and it’s now more focused on recognizing effort, ability, and growth than ever before.
