The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Islamabad, has officially introduced a new grading system for students studying at the SSC (Matric) and HSSC (Intermediate) levels. This grading scheme aims to modernize the examination and assessment system and bring it in line with international educational practices.
According to the official FBISE notification issued on 07 October 2025, the new grading system has been approved under the National Curriculum Council (NCC) and will be implemented for both SSC and HSSC examinations. The notification also confirms that the grading policy has been developed in accordance with the recommendations of the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC).
If you are preparing for the SSC First Annual Examination 2026, this article explains everything you need to know about the new grading system, passing marks, grades, and important updates regarding the result.
Why Has FBISE Introduced a New Grading System?
The purpose of the new grading system is to make student assessment more meaningful and transparent. Instead of focusing only on marks, the new system highlights the overall academic performance of students by assigning grades based on the percentage they achieve.
This system is expected to encourage conceptual learning, reduce unhealthy competition based solely on marks, and provide a clearer picture of a student’s academic achievement.
FBISE New Grades and Percentage Criteria
According to the official notification, the following grades will be awarded to students based on their percentage of marks:
| Grade | Percentage | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | 95% to 100% | Exceptional |
| A+ | 90% to less than 95% | Outstanding |
| A | 80% to less than 90% | Excellent |
| B++ | 75% to less than 80% | Very Good |
| B+ | 70% to less than 75% | Good |
| B | 60% to less than 70% | Fairly Good |
| C+ | 50% to less than 60% | Good |
| C | 40% to less than 50% | Above Average |
| D | Below 40% | Ungraded |
These grades will be used to evaluate students’ academic performance in FBISE examinations.
Passing Marks Increased to 40%
One of the most important changes announced by FBISE is the increase in the passing marks.
According to the notification, students must obtain at least 40% marks in each paper to pass the examination. Any student scoring below 40% in a subject will not be considered to have passed that paper.
Students should therefore prepare carefully and aim to score well above the minimum passing requirement.
Will SSC First Annual Examination 2026 Results Follow This Grading System?
Yes.
According to the information shared by FBISE officials during the 71st E-Kachehri, the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result will be prepared according to this newly approved grading system.
However, students should note an important clarification:
- The new grades will be shown according to the approved grading policy.
- GPA (Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) will NOT be printed or mentioned on the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result cards.
- Students’ results will still be issued using the approved grades without displaying GPA or CGPA.
This clarification has removed confusion among students and parents regarding the upcoming Matric results.
Who Will Be Affected by This Policy?
The notification applies to all educational institutions affiliated with FBISE at both:
- SSC (Secondary School Certificate)
- HSSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate)
levels.
Schools, colleges, teachers, students, and educational administrators are expected to follow the new grading framework during assessment and result preparation.
Benefits of the New Grading System
The introduction of the grading system offers several advantages for students and educational institutions.
Some of the major benefits include:
- Better representation of academic performance.
- Reduced pressure caused by small differences in marks.
- Greater focus on learning and understanding.
- Improved fairness in student evaluation.
- Easier comparison with modern national and international assessment practices.
- More meaningful academic records.
The grading system is designed to recognize students’ overall achievement instead of emphasizing only numerical marks.
What Should Students Do Now?
Students preparing for the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 should keep the following points in mind:
- Aim to score much higher than the minimum passing marks.
- Remember that 40% is now the minimum passing requirement in every paper.
- Focus on conceptual learning rather than memorization.
- Practice according to the latest FBISE examination pattern and SLO-based questions.
- Understand the grading system so you know what percentage is required for each grade.
Important Points to Remember
Before appearing in the examination, every student should remember these important updates:
- FBISE has officially introduced a new grading system.
- Grades will be awarded according to the approved percentage ranges.
- Passing marks have been increased to 40% in every paper.
- The grading system applies to SSC and HSSC examinations under FBISE.
- According to the 71st FBISE E-Kachehri, the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result will be prepared under this grading system.
- No GPA or CGPA will be mentioned on the SSC 2026 result cards, even though the grading system will be used.
Conclusion
The FBISE New Grading System marks an important step toward improving educational assessment in Pakistan. By introducing clear performance grades and increasing the passing marks to 40%, the Board aims to promote stronger academic standards and encourage students to focus on meaningful learning.
Students appearing in the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 should understand the new grade ranges, prepare according to the latest SLO-based examination pattern, and work towards achieving higher grades rather than simply meeting the minimum passing requirement.
The clarification shared during the 71st FBISE E-Kachehri also provides reassurance that while the SSC 2026 result will follow the new grading system, GPA and CGPA will not appear on the result cards. Students will receive their results with grades only, in accordance with the approved policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new FBISE grading system?
The new FBISE grading system evaluates students based on grades instead of only marks, following the percentage ranges approved by IBCC.
2. What are the passing marks in the FBISE 2026 examinations?
Students must score at least 40% marks in each subject to pass.
3. Will the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result follow the new grading system?
Yes. According to the 71st FBISE E-Kachehri, the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result will be prepared under the new grading system.
4. Will GPA or CGPA be mentioned on the SSC 2026 result card?
No. FBISE has clarified that GPA and CGPA will not be printed on the SSC First Annual Examination 2026 result cards.
5. Which students are affected by the new grading system?
The new grading system applies to all FBISE SSC (Matric) and HSSC (Intermediate) students.
