IBCC Equivalence for O Level, IGCSE and A Level (with Calculator)
Key takeaways
- IBCC converts grades to Pakistani marks: A* = above 90, A = 85, B = 75, C = 65, D = 55, E = 45. F and G are not accepted.
- 9-to-1 grades have their own scale: 8 = 87, 7 = 82, 6 = 77, 5 = 70, 4 = 60, 3 = 50, 2 = 40.
- For an A*, IBCC publishes a subject-wise mark for each exam session, so the exact A* value varies.
- Students who sat O Levels in Pakistan need 8 subjects for Matric equivalence; overseas candidates need 5, including English and Maths.
- Pakistani students who take both O and A Levels abroad are exempt from Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies.
Every O Level, IGCSE and A Level student who wants to apply to a Pakistani university or medical college needs an IBCC equivalence certificate. This guide explains how IBCC converts grades to marks, which subjects you need, and includes a calculator to estimate your equivalence percentage.
How does IBCC convert grades to marks?
The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) converts each grade to a mark out of 100. The same table is used for GCSE, IGCSE, O Level and A Level letter grades.
| Letter grade | IBCC marks | 9-to-1 grade | IBCC marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | Above 90 (subject-wise) | 9 | Above 90 (subject-wise) |
| A | 85 | 8 | 87 |
| B | 75 | 7 | 82 |
| C | 65 | 6 | 77 |
| D | 55 | 5 | 70 |
| E | 45 | 4 | 60 |
| F, G | Not accepted | 3 / 2 | 50 / 40 |
Source: IBCC grade conversion table. Grade 1 is not accepted. For A* and 9, IBCC publishes a separate mark for each subject and session from 2021 onwards.
IBCC equivalence calculator
Choose the grade for each subject. Leave unused rows on "–". The A* value is set to 90 by default; change it if you know your subject-wise value.
Add your grades to see the result.
This is an estimate for planning. Your IBCC certificate is the final word, and IBCC may apply subject-wise A* marks and its own rules for which subjects are counted.
Which subjects do I need for Matric (SSC) equivalence?
- O Levels sat in Pakistan: 8 subjects, including English, Mathematics, Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies, plus 3 electives, each at grade E or above.
- O Levels sat overseas: 5 subjects, including English and Mathematics, plus 3 electives. Proof of stay abroad (visa or passport stamps) is required.
- Science group: Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Computer Science. Biology is needed for MBBS, BDS and Pharmacy. Missing one of these gives the Arts group.
Which subjects do I need for FSc (HSSC) equivalence?
| Group | A Level subjects (minimum E) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Medical | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Pre-Engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| General Science | Three A Levels in an accepted combination, e.g. Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science |
| Humanities | Any three A Levels |
IBCC also looks at your O Level subjects and grades when issuing A Level equivalence.
Rules for overseas Pakistani students
If you are a Pakistani national and took both O and A Levels abroad (for example in Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Qatar), Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies are exempt. If you took one in Pakistan and the other abroad, you will usually need these subjects at O Level or Matric. Rules are updated from time to time, so confirm your exact case with IBCC before applying.
How to improve your equivalence percentage
Because an A* is worth 90 or more and a B only 75, moving two or three subjects up one grade can change your equivalence by several percent, which matters for MDCAT merit and engineering admissions. Our O Level tutors, IGCSE tutors and A Level tutors teach students in Pakistan and across the Gulf. See online tutors in Pakistan.
Questions parents and students ask
How many O Levels do I need for IBCC Matric equivalence?
Eight subjects if you sat O Levels in Pakistan (including English, Maths, Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies), or five if you sat them overseas (including English and Maths), each with at least an E grade.
What marks does IBCC give for an A*?
Above 90. Since the 2021 exam session, IBCC publishes a subject-wise A* mark for each session, so the exact value depends on the subject and year.
Which A Levels do I need for pre-medical equivalence?
Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A Level with at least an E grade. Pre-engineering needs Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Do overseas Pakistani students need Urdu and Islamiyat?
If a Pakistani national takes both O and A Levels abroad, Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies are exempt. Mixed cases (one in Pakistan, one abroad) usually need these subjects. Always confirm with IBCC for your case.
Sources and references
- IBCC: grade conversion of GCSE/IGCSE/O Level and A Level
- Eduvision: IBCC equivalence requirements for O and A Level
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