Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood has announced a detailed policy for SSC and HSSC students regarding the average marking system. After concluding an hour-long meeting with board chairmen and education ministers, he was addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
During the presser, Mahmood thanked all the ministers of provincial education for coming to a unanimous decision. Special mention was made by the Minister to Dr. Shehzad Jeeva Chairman of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen and his associates for working diligently to develop a great formula for student promotions.
Here are the specifics of the typical marking scheme, as Shafqat Mahmood announced:
SSC-I: HSSC-I
It was a tough decision to make, as several provinces had already begun conducting SSC exams, while the remaining ones were closed, ready to start taking examinations. The students who had not yet appeared in the 9th and 11th class exams have therefore been promoted to the next classes. The decision is applicable to both normal and private students.
It implies that in 2021, students from SSC-I and HSSC-I will not be required to appear in a composite exam. Next year they must appear only in part two examinations for the respective certificates. However, students will have to perform well next year to get promotions, as their marks for this year will depend on the performance in next year’s exams.
Also Read: Proposed Formula for SSC & HSSC Marking & Promotions 2020
SSC-II-HSSC-II
Matric and second-year students will be promoted to next classes based on their previous year’s performance, the minister said, adding that only students with satisfactory performance in previous years will earn a promotion. Mahmood indicated that the results of the previous year would only increase by three percent to measure marks for this year.
Failing and Improving Students
The minister of education announced that passing marks will be given to students who have failed less than 40 percent of subjects (in 9th and 11th grades). He also announced that he would conduct special examinations for students in order to improve their first-year results.
The same applies to students who have failed in 11th grade by more than 40 percent, who appear in composite examinations, or students who are preparing for further subjects. The result will be cumulatively and not subject-wise calculated.
Special Exam Dates
The minister has asked students willing to take part in special examinations to contact their respective boards by July 1st this year. Exams can be held at any time this year from September to November.
All decisions relating to the education sector under COVID-19 situation have been made with the consensus of all boards.
Mahmood said all universities in Pakistan were directed within a week to announce their exam and admission policies.