Punjab Board Introduces New 10-Point Grading System for Matric and Enter

Lahore: The Punjab Board Committee of Chairmen has officially approved a new 10-point grading system for matriculation and intermediate exams. This decision was reported on Wednesday. It aims to modernize student assessment methods in the province.

Key Changes in New System

Under the new grading system, students’ performance will be assessed based on grades and GPA. Numerical marks will no longer be used. This is a major shift from the traditional percentage-based scoring method.

Additionally, the term “Unsatisfactory” will replace “Fail.” This change is intended to reduce the stigma associated with failure.

Another significant update is the increase in the passing percentage. Previously, students needed at least 33% to pass an exam. Now, they must secure at least 40%. This makes the assessment criteria more rigorous.

Implementation Plan

The transition to the new grading system will occur in two phases:

• Phase 1 (2026): Students of classes 9 and 11 will begin receiving grades instead of numerical marks.
• Phase 2 (2027): The grading system will be extended to classes 10 and 12.

According to board officials, this shift aims to move students’ focus away from marks-based competition. Instead, it encourages overall academic improvement. The grading system is expected to provide a better evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge. It will assess more than just their ability to memorize information for exams.

Potential Impact

Education experts believe that this system could help reduce student stress. It may also promote a more comprehensive learning approach. By focusing on GPA instead of precise numerical scores, students may feel less pressure to outperform their peers. Instead, they may feel more motivated to grasp concepts deeply.

However, some critics argue that increasing the passing percentage could make it harder for weaker students to succeed.

The introduction of this system aligns with global trends in education. Many countries use grading models to provide a more holistic assessment of students’ abilities. While this approach has benefits, its success will depend on how well teachers and students adapt.