If you are an O/A Level student in Karachi, you’ve probably heard the rumors flying around WhatsApp groups this week. The Sindh Government has officially abolished the traditional “marks” system for Matric and Inter students, replacing it with a new International Grading System starting in 2026.
But the big question for our community is: How does this affect my O Level Equivalence?
If you are planning to apply to local medical (MDCAT) or engineering universities (ECAT), here is everything you need to know about the new policy, the IBCC’s stance, and the urgent deadlines approaching for the May/June 2026 session.
What Just Happened? The New Sindh Grading Policy
On January 21, 2026, the Sindh Boards Committee announced a historic shift. Starting from the 2026 Annual Exams (Class 9 & 11), students will no longer receive raw marks (e.g., 850/1100). Instead, they will be awarded Grades and GPA.
The New Scale:
- A++ (Exceptional): 96% – 100%
- A (Outstanding): 86% – 90%
- Pass Percentage: Raised from 33% to 40%.
Why Does This Matter to O Level Students?
For decades, O Level students have complained that the local board “marks” system puts them at a disadvantage during Equivalence calculation. Local students could score 1050/1100, while O Level high achievers were capped by IBCC formulas.
This shift to a GPA-based system is actually good news for Cambridge students. It aims to align the local system with international standards (like yours!), potentially making the equivalence playing field much fairer in the coming years.
Will IBCC Change the Equivalence Formula in 2026?
Currently, the IBCC (Inter Board Coordination Commission) has updated its conversion formula for 2025/2026 to align with these changes.
Current Equivalence Status:
- A* is now calculated as 90+ marks (previously it was often capped lower).
- The pass percentage for equivalence has also aligned with the new 40% threshold.
The Verdict: If you are sitting for exams in May/June 2026, your equivalence will likely be calculated using the new, slightly more generous conversion tables that IBCC is rolling out to match the local grading shift. This means scoring an A* in Math (4024) or Physics (5054) is now more valuable than ever for your local university aggregate.
Urgent Alert: May/June 2026 Registration Deadline
While the policy changes are future-focused, you have an immediate hurdle to clear.
If you received your Nov 2025 results on January 15th and didn’t get the grade you wanted, or if you are a fresh candidate for the summer series, you must act NOW.
🚨 Deadline to Remember: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 is the Normal Entry Deadline for Cambridge International May/June 2026 exams in Pakistan.
- After Feb 10: You will pay a “Late Stage 1” penalty fee.
- After March 17: You will pay a “Late Stage 2” (very high) penalty fee.
Don’t waste money on late fees. If you are re-taking a subject, register this week.
How to Secure an A* in 3 Months (Crash Course)
With the registration deadline closing in, you have exactly 90 days until the May/June papers begin.
At Teachwink, we don’t believe in blind rote learning. We teach “Exam Judgment”—the skill of looking at a new question and instantly knowing which concept to apply.
Our May/June 2026 Crash Courses Include:
- Topic-Wise Past Paper Marathons: We solve the hardest questions from the last 10 years.
- Mock Exams: Simulated exam conditions to build your stamina.
- Online & Hybrid Options: Join us from anywhere in Pakistan.
“I went from a C to an A in my mocks. The past paper sessions were a game changer.” — Saad Ahmed, Teachwink Student
Conclusion
The education landscape in Pakistan is changing for the better, aligning more with the O/A Level style of grading. But policy changes won’t get you into university—your grades will.
Take Action Today:
- Register for your exams before Feb 10th.
- Download our Free O Level Math Guide to kickstart your prep.
- Contact Us to join our 3-Month Crash Course batch.
