THIS is apropos the letter ‘A-Level students’ woes’ (July 21). The writer has truly highlighted the thorny issue faced by A-Level students.

The current formula for the conversion of grades to marks is not justified. It means even if you burn the midnight oil to achieve A plus in compulsory subjects, you can’t get more than 90pc.

If a student is picking extra subjects, he will not be awarded any credit for that in an equivalent certificate. A-Level is a competitive examination in a totally cheating-free environment.

As a reward, the students are punished for that in the shape of equivalence certificates, which I feel is a slap on their faces. The Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) should review the equivalence formula so that candidates should secure marks purely on their performance.

The IBCC equivalence formula was challenged before the Lahore High Court by a student four years ago. The decision of the LHC said: “The equivalence policy of the IBCC be declared as illegal, unreasonable, discriminatory and of no legal effect and the respondent authority be directed to amend it.” Unfortunately, it still hasn’t been amended. I request the apex court to take suo motu action.

Nasrullah Ali Baloch
Pano Aqil Cantt

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2014