THE federally chartered Virtual University (VU) grants a low grade point average (GPA) of 1.7 to students who have fulfilled all academic requirements, whereas other institutions under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) do not issue a passing degree for less than a 2.0 GPA. In addition, VU’s examination system allows no choice in any question.

This combination puts VU students at a disadvantage when compared with graduates from other universities. Most employers, public service commissions, and overseas institutions set 2.0 GPA as the minimum eligibility threshold. When a degree carries a lower GPA value, it leaves graduates unable to compete even though they have completed the same coursework. This situation appears to conflict with Article 25 of the Constitution, which ensures equal treatment and protection under the law.

The policy also seems inconsistent with the HEC’s Undergraduate Education Policy 2020, which prescribes a 2.0 GPA as the minimum standard for awarding an undergraduate degree. VU’s 1.7 GPA practice diverges from this requirement, and may be questioned on legal grounds.

Articles 25A, 37, 38(d), 22(1)(b) and 10A of the Constitution further safeguard the right to education, the practical value of academic qualifications, non-discrimi-nation, and procedural fairness. In essence, an exam format with no choice in questions, coupled with a passing grade below the national benchmark, does not meet these safeguards.

The HEC and VU should adopt a better paper-setting system with choice options in questions, and align the grading scale with other universities under the HEC. Retaining a 1.7 GPA standard offers no academic benefit and only weakens the position of VU graduates. A degree awarded at 1.7 GPA is of no use in the job market. At best, it is something that looks presentable, but has no practical value.

Abdullah Faiz
Khairpur

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026