Primary and Secondary Education in Pakistan
A 12-year system of education with children starting school at age 5.
- Primary education in Pakistan is five years in duration, and runs from grade one through five.
- Secondary Education includes the middle stage which lasts for 3 years (ages 10-12) Grades 6-8, followed by the Lower Secondary Stage (ages 13-14) which lasts for 2 years through Grades 9-10. At this stage students take the Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by one the six Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education.
- Upper Secondary Education is 2 years (ages 15-16) Grades 11-12. During this stage, students choose between two different tracks: Academic and technical.
- Upon completion of secondary school, students are awarded the Intermediate Certificate or Upper Secondary Certificate, which gives access to higher education. This credential is equivalent to U.S. high school graduation.
The academic year begins in September and runs through June lasting for 9 months with a two-month summer vacation and a 20-day break in winter. Schools are in operation six hours a day. Friday is a holiday.
The Ministry of National Education is responsible for implementing education policy and regulations.
Grade conversion scale for Pakistan:
Grade Scale |
U.S. Grade Equivalence |
60-100 |
A |
40-59 |
B |
33-39 |
C |
| 0-32 | F |
Credentials:
- Secondary School Certificate
- Intermediate Certificate or Upper Secondary Certificate
