Cambridge to re-conduct A-level exams after students’ protests

Islamabad: Responding to student grievances over the allocation of average marks, the education authorities on Friday announced the re-conduction of Cambridge A-level exams.

A significant session took place at the Ministry of Education, with attendance from the Cambridge country director, Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) chairman, and school principals.

During the meeting, educational institution leaders voiced their concerns, leading to a decision to hold a fresh round of Cambridge A-level exams in October.

The complaints arose subsequent to the issuance of average marks, which disproportionately impacted A-level students unable to sit for exams on May 10, 11, and 12 due to prevailing security concerns.

Furthermore, authorities decided to waive examination fees for the upcoming tests.

In an effort to reduce logistical expenses, the British Council will present a cost-effective plan, and measures will be undertaken to review grading-related cases, enabling full refunds to affected students.

Earlier, the release of Cambridge International Examination A-level results ignited widespread discontent among Pakistani students.

Protests erupted in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, accompanied by sharp criticisms of the A-level outcomes.

The Cambridge exam was disrupted due to civil unrest on May 9 and 12 in Pakistan. Yet, rather than rescheduling, Cambridge attributed average marks to the affected papers.

The announcement of these results stirred frustration across the nation, with only a limited number of students achieving A and B grades.