Islamabad, 16 Apr 2025: Grace Marks have been officially sanctioned for Intermediate Students by the Sindh cabinet during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Sindh Cabinet Endorses Relief for Failing Students
In a major academic development, the Sindh government has decided to grant grace marks to first-year pupils registered with the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) who were unsuccessful in their annual assessments.
READ MORE:
Grace Marks Notification Pending: Students Await Sindh Govt’s Decision
This move aims to relieve the pressure on students who were adversely impacted by academic and structural challenges in the 2024 examination cycle.
Reasons behind the Grace Marks Decision
The University and Boards Department presented statistical evidence showing a notable decrease in the pass rate for Class XI exams under BIEK.
In response, the Sindh Assembly formed a Special Committee on January 13, 2025, led by Provincial Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, to probe the concerning trend.
Further analysis was carried out by a Sub-Committee under the leadership of Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University, who proposed grace marks: 20% in Chemistry, and 15% each in Mathematics and Physics. Acting on this advice, the Chief Minister gave formal approval for awarding these marks.
Despite the Sindh Boards Ordinance of 1972 not allowing such measures, a previous exception in 2023 during the caretaker government set a precedent for flexibility in extraordinary circumstances.
Structural Reforms and Oversight
Expressing disappointment over the malfunctioning of educational boards, CM Shah instructed the Chief Secretary to create a top-level inquiry committee composed of senior officials to audit all educational boards across Sindh and deliver a detailed accountability report.
Environmental Reforms: Plastic Ban
In addition to academic relief, the cabinet approved a significant environmental directive a comprehensive ban on all types of plastic shopping bags.
READ MORE:
Karachi Inter Students to Get Grace Marks After Exam Failures
As per the revised Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products Rules, 2014, the manufacture, sale, and usage of both non-degradable and oxo-degradable plastic bags will be completely prohibited. The rule will come into force 60 days following the cabinet’s greenlight.
Embracing Innovation and Security
The meeting also endorsed electronic surveillance mechanisms like tracking anklets for repeat offenders and approved the formation of a Centre of Excellence to Combat Violent Extremism, underlining the government’s multifaceted approach to governance and safety.
Intermediate Students now have a renewed opportunity to succeed, thanks to the Grace Marks initiative.
