Grading system in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the education system follows a grading system that categorizes students’ performance into three divisions: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd division. This system is commonly used in various levels of education, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. In this article, we will explore what marks are required to achieve each division and the significance of these divisions in the Pakistani education system.
What is Division?
In the grading system, a “division” typically refers to a specific level or category of performance or achievement by a student. Divisions are used to categorize and assess a student’s academic performance or grades in an educational context. The number of divisions and their corresponding criteria can vary from one educational system or institution to another.
1st Division or First Division
The 1st division is the highest division attainable in Pakistan’s education system. It signifies excellent academic performance. To achieve a 1st division, students typically need to secure a specific percentage of marks or a specific grade point average (GPA), depending on their level of education.
At the intermediate level (equivalent to high school in some countries), students usually need to secure an overall percentage of 60% or above to obtain first division marks. This percentage may vary slightly depending on the educational board or university. For example, some boards might require 70% or more for 1st division marks at the intermediate level.
At the undergraduate level, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree usually need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above (out of 4.0) to be considered in the 1st division. Again, the exact GPA requirement might vary from one institution to another.
Achieving a 1st division is a prestigious accomplishment in Pakistan’s education system. It can open doors to various opportunities, including scholarships, admission to reputable institutions, and increased employability in the job market. 1st of First division percentage, Marks, and grade.
| 60.00 – 69.99 | First Class | First Division | A | |
2nd Division or Second Division
The 2nd division is considered an average level of performance in the Pakistani education system. While it may not be as highly regarded as the 1st division, it still represents a respectable level of academic achievement.
To secure a Second division, students typically need to meet a lower percentage mark or GPA requirement compared to the 1st division. For instance, at the intermediate level, students may need to score between 45% to 59% to be in the 2nd division. Similarly, at the undergraduate level, a GPA ranging from 2.0 to 2.99 is often considered a 2nd division.
While a 2nd division may not provide the same level of advantages as a 1st division, it still allows students to pursue higher education and enter the job market with decent prospects. 2nd division persontage in Pakistan
| 45.00 – 59.99 | Second Class | Second Division | B |
3rd Division or Third Division
The 3rd division is the lowest division in Pakistan’s education system. It indicates that a student’s academic performance is below the average standard. Achieving a 3rd division can limit opportunities for higher education and employment.
To secure a third division, students usually need to score below the minimum requirements for a 2nd division. For example, at the intermediate level, students who score below 45% may be placed in the 3rd division. Similarly, at the undergraduate level, a GPA below 2.0 may result in a 3rd division.
It’s important to note that a 3rd division should not be viewed as a failure but rather as an opportunity for improvement. Many students who initially receive a 3rd division go on to improve their academic performance in subsequent examinations.
| 30.00 – 44.99 | Pass Class | Third Division | C | 30 – minimum passing grade |
Grading system in Pakistan Description
- Secondary
- Traditional Grade Scale
- University 4-Point Scale
- Letter-grade
- Letter-grade +/-
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Fatima Jinnah Dental College
- University of Karachi (new)
1. Secondary
| Grade | Scale | Grade Description | US Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 80.00 – 100.00 | Outstanding | A+ |
| A+ | 80.00 – 100.00 | Outstanding | A+ |
| A | 70.00 – 79.99 | Excellent | A |
| B | 60.00 – 69.99 | Very Good | AB |
| C | 50.00 – 59.99 | Good | B |
| D | 40.00 – 49.99 | Fair | C |
| E | 33.00 – 39.99 | Satisfactory | D |
2. Traditional Grade Scale
Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
| Scale | Grade Description | Division | US Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70.00 – 100.00 | Distinction | Distinction | A+ | |
| 60.00 – 69.99 | First Class | First Division | A | |
| 45.00 – 59.99 | Second Class | Second Division | B | |
| 30.00 – 44.99 | Pass Class | Third Division | C | 30 – minimum passing grade |
| 0.00 – 29.99 | Fail | F |
3. University 4-Point Scale
| Grade | Scale | Scale 2 | US Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 85.00 – 100.00 | 4.00 | A |
| A- | 80.00 – 84.99 | 3.70 | A- |
| B+ | 75.00 – 79.99 | 3.30 | B+ |
| B | 70.00 – 74.99 | 3.00 | B |
| B- | 65.00 – 69.99 | 2.70 | B- |
| C+ | 61.00 – 64.99 | 2.30 | C+ |
| C | 58.00 – 60.99 | 2.00 | C |
| C- | 55.00 – 57.99 | 1.70 | C- |
| D | 50.00 – 54.99 | 1.00 | D |
| F | 0.00 – 49.99 | 0.00 | F |
4. Letter-grade
| Grade | Scale | US Grade |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80.00 – 100.00 | A+ |
| B | 65.00 – 79.99 | A |
| C | 50.00 – 64.99 | B |
| D | 40.00 – 49.99 | C |
| F | 0.00 – 39.99 | F |
5. Letter-grade +/-
Post-secondary letter grades with +/-
| Grade | US Grade |
|---|---|
| A+ | A+ |
| A | A |
| A- | A- |
| B+ | B+ |
| B | B |
| B- | B- |
| C+ | C+ |
| C | C |
| C- | C- |
| D+ | D+ |
| D | D |
| D- | D- |
| F | F |
6. International Baccalaureate Diploma
| Scale | US Grade |
|---|---|
| 6.00 – 7.00 | A |
| 5.00 – 5.99 | B |
| 3.00 – 4.99 | C |
| 1.00 – 2.99 | D |
| 0.00 – 0.99 | F |
7. Fatima Jinnah Dental College
| Scale | US Grade |
|---|---|
| 75.00 – 100.00 | A+ |
| 70.00 – 74.99 | A |
| 60.00 – 69.99 | B |
| 50.00 – 59.99 | C |
| 0.00 – 49.99 | F |
8. University of Karachi (new)
| Grade | Scale | US Grade |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90.00 – 100.00 | A+ |
| A | 85.00 – 89.99 | A |
| A- | 80.00 – 84.99 | A- |
| B+ | 75.00 – 79.99 | B+ |
| B | 71.00 – 74.99 | B |
| B- | 68.00 – 70.99 | B- |
| C+ | 64.00 – 67.99 | C+ |
| C | 61.00 – 63.99 | C |
| C- | 57.00 – 60.99 | C- |
| D+ | 53.00 – 56.99 | D+ |
| D | 50.00 – 52.99 | D |
| F | 0.00 – 49.99 | F |
Conclusion
Understanding the grading system of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd division in Pakistan is crucial for students, parents, and educators. These divisions not only reflect a student’s academic performance but also play a significant role in shaping their educational and career paths. While a 1st division is the most desirable, achieving a 2nd division is still commendable, and a 3rd division should be seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Ultimately, the education system in Pakistan strives to provide students with the chance to excel and succeed in their chosen fields.
