Pakistan’s education system is on the threshold of a major reform as federal education authorities prepare to introduce two new academic groups at the matric level, aimed at broadening opportunities for millions of students across the country.
The Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has called a consultative session scheduled for December 23 in Islamabad to discuss the proposal, which recommends adding Technical Education and Agriculture as separate subject streams at the matric level alongside traditional groups like Science, Commerce, and Computer Science.
Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to align Pakistan’s academic framework with evolving workforce and industry needs, ensuring students complete matric with practical skills and career‑focused training. If approved, these new matric groups will offer an alternative to purely theoretical studies and could help students step into vocational roles sooner.
The consultative meeting will also address eligibility criteria for admissions to intermediate programs. Discussions will focus on whether students choosing the Technical or Agriculture streams at matric can later gain entry into pre‑medical, pre‑engineering, or other HSSC programs, a step that may widen pathways for diverse student interests.
This development comes amid ongoing education reforms in Pakistan, including recent policy changes that allow arts students to enroll in pre‑medical and pre‑engineering groups at the intermediate level, eliminating previous barriers between subject tracks.
Education experts also emphasize the importance of early academic guidance for students, noting that understanding exam strategies, such as those shared in this guide on how to ace BISE FSD exams, can significantly boost performance and future opportunities for matric students.
As the IBCC prepares to finalize recommendations, the introduction of these two new academic groups at the matric level could mark a pivotal shift in Pakistan’s secondary education landscape.
