The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has announced an increase in the minimum passing marks from 33 percent to 40 percent, along with a new grading system for upcoming examinations.
According to the board, the revised criteria will apply to Class 9 examinations starting in 2026 and Class 10 examinations from 2027. Students will now need 40 marks out of 100 to pass a subject, replacing the previous requirement of 33 marks.
For papers with different total marks, the passing marks have also been adjusted: 75-mark papers now require 30 marks (up from 25), 60-mark papers require 24 marks (up from 20), and 30-mark papers now require 12 marks (up from 10).
Practical exams have seen similar changes. Students must now secure 18 out of 45 marks in practicals, up from 15, and 6 out of 15 marks in smaller practical components, up from 5 marks.
Officials stated that the change aims to improve academic standards and bring Karachi’s system in line with other provinces. For instance, Punjab already follows a 40 percent passing requirement for secondary examinations.
The board emphasized that the new grading system will ensure students achieve a stronger foundational knowledge before moving to higher grades.
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