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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC), in collaboration with key national stakeholders, on Tuesday convened a high-level consultative meeting at the IBCC Secretariat to review challenges arising from subject group classifications at the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSSC) levels.
The meeting was chaired by the Executive Director IBCC, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, who briefed participants on the difficulties faced by students—particularly those who have passed the majority of science subjects but are nonetheless issued equivalence under the humanities group.
Participants undertook a comprehensive review of the existing subject group system, weighing its advantages and limitations in the context of student mobility and access to higher education, said a press release.
During deliberations, stakeholders proposed eliminating rigid subject groups such as Engineering and Medical, and recommended a shift toward a subject-based pathway. Under this approach, universities would determine admissions based on the specific subjects passed by students rather than predefined groups.
Representatives from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), National Curriculum Council & provincial curriculum bodies, Representatives from Exam Boards, and other concerned bodies endorsed the proposal to eliminate subject groups at the SSC level and recommended unbundling subjects to enhance flexibility.
To take the process forward, a national joint working group comprising representatives from relevant stakeholders was constituted to further examine the matter and submit detailed recommendations in the next consultative meeting.
The meeting was attended in person by Fakir Muhammad Lakho, Chairman Sindh BCC, Prof Tasbih Ullah, Chairman KP BCC, Dr Ikram Ali Malik, Chairman FBISE, Prof Musharaf Ali Rajput, Chairman SBTE Karachi, Prof Jehnzab, Chairman BISE Mardan; Dr Imdad Khushk, Controller Exams PMDC; Dr Tabassum Naz, Director NCC; Mr Qazi Abid, Director HEC;
Shafique Awan, Consultant, along with officers from IBCC. Representatives from BISE Quetta and curriculum authorities of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan participated online.
Among the key recommendations of the consultative forum were the elimination of subject groups at the HSSC level,as universities or Regulating bodies do not require rigid group classifications for admissions, a review of SSC qualification groups to make them more open and flexible for college admissions, and an examination of whether academic and vocational pathways should be separated or integrated at the SSC level through the inclusion of diverse skill-based subjects.
Participants appreciated IBCC’s proactive role in bringing all relevant stakeholders together under one platform to address student-centered challenges, while aligning proposed reforms with international best practices to ensure smoother and more inclusive educational pathways.