Matric & Intermediate Examination Policy 2026 Explained

Matric & Intermediate Examination Policy 2026 is Explained in this article. The Matric (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) examination system in Pakistan operates under a comprehensive academic and administrative policy designed to ensure fair assessment, transparency, and continuity in students’ education. This policy applies to Punjab Boards and other boards following similar regulations, and it governs everything from question paper structure to passing criteria, migration rules, private candidature, and special cases.

Below is a complete explanation of the policy, rewritten in an easy-to-understand format for students, parents, and educators.

1. Student Learning Assessment Framework

Students’ performance in Matric and Intermediate examinations is not evaluated merely on rote learning. Instead, assessment is based on four core learning domains:

• Knowledge – understanding of facts and concepts
• Comprehension – ability to explain and interpret information
• Application – use of knowledge in practical or real situations
• Analysis – critical thinking and problem-solving ability

This framework ensures that examinations test conceptual clarity and analytical skills, not just memorization.

2. Question Paper Pattern and Mark Distribution

Each subject’s question paper is designed according to a standardized structure:

• 20% Objective (MCQs)
  • Based on O-Level style assessment
• 50% Short Answer Questions
• 30% Descriptive / Long Answer Questions

Choice & Compulsory Sections

• Objective section is compulsory
• 33% internal choice is provided in:
  • Short questions
  • Descriptive questions

This structure allows students flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.

3. Answering Rules and Examination Conduct

• Objective answers must be filled on the Bubble Sheet
• Short and Descriptive answers must be written on the official answer book
• Candidates are strictly prohibited from:
  • Taking question papers or objective sheets outside the exam center
• Cutting, overwriting, or double marking in MCQs results in zero marks for that question
• Only Blue or Black ink is allowed
• Simple calculators are permitted where applicable
• Programmable calculators, smart devices, or mini-computers are banned

4. Admission, Registration & Attendance Rules

• Admissions for Part-I (9th/11th) and Part-II (10th/12th) are conducted according to the Board’s official schedule
• Registration cards remain valid for two years
• Regular candidates must maintain:
  • At least 75% attendance in each subject
• Exam durations (written and practical) are strictly according to the approved syllabus

5. Regular vs Private Candidates

• Regular students unable to continue studies due to:
  • Financial hardship
  • Family issues
  • Medical or other unavoidable reasons
    may appear as Private candidates
• Private candidates can:
  • Appear in Part-I only, or
  • Appear in Part-I and Part-II together

6. Internal Assessment & Institutional Records

• Internal assessment grades awarded by schools/colleges are:
  • Recorded on admission forms
  • Reflected on final certificates
    This ensures that institutional performance contributes to academic documentation.

7. Failure, Reappearance & Fresh Candidature

• A candidate who fails Part-II may:
  • Reappear as a fresh candidate by paying the full fee
• There is no separate annual exam for Part-I alone; it is part of a composite cycle
• Students leaving an institution may still:
  • Appear as Private candidates for Part-II

8. Special Admission & Promotion Cases

• If an institution fails to send a student’s Part-I admission due to special circumstances:
  • The student may still be promoted to 10th class
  • They can appear in both Part-I and Part-II later, subject to attendance rules
• Candidates who miss Part-II exams can:
  • Appear in the next annual session for improvement

9. Board Migration Policy

• A candidate who fails under one Board may:
  • Migrate to another Board for the next annual exam
• This facility is:
  • Allowed only once per academic session

10. Validity of Results

• Part-I results remain valid for two years
• The candidate must appear in Part-II within this period
• Failure to do so may result in result cancellation

11. Marks, Grades & Passing Criteria

• Both marks and grades are printed on the final certificate
• To pass Matric:
  • A candidate must pass the combined aggregate of Part-I and Part-II in each subject
• Appearing in both parts is mandatory
  • Even if a student scores enough marks in one part, absence in the other results in Fail
• Students are given three chances to clear Compartment subjects

12. Grace Marks Policy

• While preparing the combined result of Part-I and Part-II:
  • Up to 1% grace marks may be awarded to help a student pass
• No grace marks are awarded for:
  • Part-I result alone
  • Additional subjects
  • O/A Level improvement cases

13. Unfair Means (UFM) Rules

• Candidates involved in unfair means during Part-I:
  • May be disqualified for one or more exams
• After completing the punishment period:
  • They may reappear in both Part-I and Part-II

14. Madaris Candidates & Equivalence

• Candidates from recognized Madaris Boards (e.g., Wafaq-ul-Madaris):
  • After passing Shahadat-ul-Aama
  • May appear in additional subjects (Urdu, English, Pakistan Studies)
  • To obtain an equivalent Matric certificate

15. Special Subject Exemptions

Candidates may opt for Geography of Pakistan instead of Urdu Compulsory if:

• They are foreign nationals or overseas Pakistanis
• They did not study Urdu at secondary level
• They resided abroad for three continuous years before the exam

16. Special Rules for Part-I Failure & Improvement

• Candidates scoring less than 33% in Part-I:
  • May still proceed to Part-II
• Failure to attend the exam center results in Absent
• Regular students may:
  • Reappear in Part-I
  • Change subjects within 30 days of result declaration by canceling the previous result

17. O/A Level Candidates

• O/A Level students with IBCC equivalence:
  • May take additional subjects to improve marks
  • Must do so within four years
• No grace marks are allowed in these cases

Attention Students & Teachers

The Matric and Intermediate examination policy in Pakistan is a detailed, structured, and student-oriented framework that governs assessment, admissions, passing rules, and special academic cases. Understanding this policy helps students make informed academic decisions, avoid mistakes, and plan reappear or improvement options wisely.

Students are strongly advised to stay updated with official Board notifications, as policies may evolve—especially with upcoming reforms in passing criteria and grading systems.