Islamabad (TDI): In a landmark decision, the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has announced that students from an arts background at the matriculation level can now enroll in pre-medical and pre-engineering groups (FSc) for their intermediate studies. The policy will come into effect from the first annual examinations of 2026.
The notification, issued by the IBCC, noted that the decision followed recommendations from a sub-committee and consultations with key educational and professional bodies, including the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Curriculum Council (NCC), and provincial curriculum authorities.
The IBCC Forum, in its 183rd meeting held on December 4-5, 2025, unanimously resolved to allow arts students to register for these science-oriented groups.
The IBCC added that individual institutions may implement measures such as minimum marks, merit thresholds, or aptitude tests to ensure uniform standards across all boards. Final decisions regarding these measures will be made at the respective board level, subject to approval by their governing bodies. The notification has been shared with all education boards nationwide, according to Dawn.
The forum also approved a significant adjustment for O/A level students: those who pass two major subjects will now receive equivalence in the science group rather than humanities.
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Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possible abolition of separate science and arts groups at the matric level, replacing them with a single Secondary School Certificate (SSC) with flexible elective options. This proposal will be debated further in future meetings before any final decision is made.
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Speaking to the media, IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah highlighted that the policy aims to expand opportunities for students. He emphasized that “rigid and narrow” policies previously limited access to higher studies, and now any capable student should be able to pursue FSc, ICS, I.Com, or other intermediate streams. Dr Mallah described the decision as a “major step in opening new avenues for students across the country.”
