The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has announced an increase in the minimum passing marks for examinations, raising the passing percentage from 33 per cent to 40 per cent.
According to the board, the revised criteria will be implemented for students of Class 9 from 2026 and for Class 10 from 2027. A new grading system will also be introduced as part of the reforms.
Under the new policy, the passing marks in a 100-mark paper have been increased from 33 to 40. For a 75-mark paper, the passing marks have been raised from 25 to 30, while in a 60-mark paper they have been increased from 20 to 24.
Similarly, the passing marks in a 30-mark paper have been increased from 10 to 12.
The board also revised the criteria for practical examinations. In a 45-mark practical exam, the passing marks have been increased from 15 to 18, while in a 15-mark practical component, students will now be required to obtain at least 6 marks instead of the previous 5.
Officials said the changes are part of efforts to improve academic standards and align the examination system with updated educational policies.