PAKISTAN’S current grading system used in matriculation and intermediate examinations relies heavily on the outcome of a single testing day, which can be affected by various unpredictable factors, such as health issues, anxiety and personal challenges, leading to a situation where the entire future of a student is determined by one day’s performance.

This can be highly unfair to students, as their entire academic career may hinge on a single instance of preparedness, which is not always an accurate reflection of their potential or hard work over the course of the year. A student who has consistently shown strong performance throughout the year may have a poor exam day due to unforeseen circumstances, which can result in an unjustly low grade. On the other hand, a student who has not put in consistent effort, but excels in exam conditions may unfairly achieve a high grade.

In contrast, many international educ-ation systems have adopted a more holistic approach to student assessment, focussing on continuous assessment throughout the academic year.

For instance, in Finland and Canada, grading systems incorporate multiple forms of evaluation, such as project-based assessments, presentations, regular coursework and, finally, exams.

These systems value ongoing learning and growth, allowing for a more compre-hensive picture of a student’s abilities.

Additionally, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is widely recognised for its rigorous academic standards, evaluates students through a combination of coursework, projects and exams taken at various points during the academic year, rather than relying on a single exam.

This approach encourages students to engage in learning consistently throughout the year and not just cram information before an exam.

Another example is the A level system in the United Kingdom, where students are assessed through both written exams and coursework, with some subjects offering the opportunity for practical assessments.

It is time for our education system to evolve and adopt a more balanced, global approach to assessment. Introducing an international standard examination system combining year-round assessments with examinations would provide a more accurate and fair evaluation of students’ potential.

Such a system would significantly reduce the pressure on students that they feel during a single exam, and encourage continuous learning, engagement and overall development of the next generation.

Danish Nazeer
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2025