RAWALPINDI: Had the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) given grace marks, more than 100 students of class eight could have passed their annual examination held in March.

According to the results announced by the PEC on March 31, around 150 students of Rawalpindi district were declared fail because of this minor mistake, Dawn has learnt.

Education experts including Executive District Officer (EDO) Education and Chairman Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) were of the view that as per examination policy, if a student fails in a subject by one or two marks, he is entitled to 1 per cent grace marks.

Executive District Officer (EDO) Rawalpindi, Qazi Zahoorul Haq, however, said he had taken up the issue with the PEC but without success. He said that in matriculation, intermediate, bachelor and even M.Phil level students were given grace marks.

“It is our clear cut policy. We give grace marks to a student, if he fails in a subject by one or two marks,” said Dr Mohamamd Zareef, Chairman BISE, Rawalpindi.

He further said: “I’m not aware of the policy of PEC, but as per knowledge, across the country students are entitled to grace marks.”

“As per one per cent formula students are entitled to get at least 5 grace marks in a subject,” said Shahid Mubarik Raja, President Punjab Teacher Union Rawalpindi.

Abrar Ahmed Khan, president of Private School Association said that those who played havoc with the future of the students should be punished.

According to results available with Dawn, a student of Nusrat Model Elementary School Shakrial, Nimra Faraz, was declared fail in mathematic paper by only one number.

Out of 500 marks she obtained 311 marks and she passed all subjects by getting excellent marks. Saima Bibi and Sumaria Dilgeer of the same school were declared failed for the same reason.

Meanwhile, five girl students of New Town Elementary Schools, were also among those who were declared fail on similar grounds.

Despite repeated attempts, PEC Operation Manager Afshan Zafar, could not be approached for her comments.