Understanding IBCC Equivalence in Pakistan for O and A Levels

In Pakistan, students who have completed their O (Ordinary) Levels and A (Advanced) Levels from an international examination board, such as Cambridge International Examinations, need to obtain an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), which is a representative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This certificate is essential for ensuring that their qualifications are recognized and accepted by local educational institutions and employers. Here’s a detailed guide on what IBCC equivalence is and how it works for O and A Levels.

What is IBCC Equivalence Certificate?

The IBCC equivalence is a process that converts the grades and qualifications achieved in international education systems to the Pakistani education system’s grading and percentage format. This ensures a standardized comparison, allowing students to pursue further education or employment in Pakistan without any discrepancies. IBCC has rules for equivalence from different education systems, including the British system, IB programme, and the American system, listed on their website.

IBCC Equivalence Calculator

The IBCC Equivalence Calculator converts O-Level and A-Level grades into equivalent marks for matriculation and intermediate as per IBCC guidelines.  

Instructions to Use:  
1. Select grades for each subject from the dropdown menu.  
2. Enter the total marks for O-Level (8 subjects) and A-Level (3 subjects).  
3. Click "Calculate" to view your equivalent percentage and marks.

Why is IBCC Equivalence Necessary?

1. University Admissions: Many universities in Pakistan require an equivalence certificate to ensure that the applicant’s qualifications meet the local education standards.
2. Government Jobs: For certain government positions, having an equivalence certificate is mandatory.
3. Scholarships: Some scholarship programs also require an equivalence certificate to verify the eligibility of the candidate.

How to Get an Equivalence Certificate from IBCC?

The process of obtaining an equivalence certificate involves several steps:

1. Submission of Application: Students need to fill out the IBCC equivalence form. You can download the form from the IBCC website here. Applications can be submitted online in the IBCC Equivalence Portal, walk-in at, and courier
2. *Document Verification: Along with the application, students must submit the following documents:
   1. Attested copy of CNIC/Smart Card or B-Form of applicant
   2. Attested copy of CNIC of parent or guardian
   3. For A levels, attested copy of earlier O level/SSC equivalence certificate issued by IBCC
   4. Original of O and A level certificates, along with attested copies
   5. Proof of payment of fees
   6. For students from abroad, attested copies of passport and visas
3. Fee Payment: Along with your application, and documents, you also need to submit your application fees (as bank draft), and proof pf payment.
4. Calculation of Equivalence: Once all documents are submitted, accepted, and verified, your equivalence percentage is calculated based on the conversions given in the next section.
5. Issuance of Certificate: After this, the IBCC equivalence certificate is issued.

*Note:

Plastic coated certificates or diplomas are not acceptable. If the you O or A level certificates are plastic coated, you need to submit original statement of results, or copies of certificates verified by the British Council.

The provisional statement of result of O and A levels is only valid up to six months. After this duration, original certificate is required for processing of application. These documents are then verified by the IBCC.

Rules for Equivalence

The main goal of equivalence certificate is to consider the number of schooling years and subjects needed for a certain qualification like O or A Level exams, and equate it to the corresponding qualification in the Pakistani Education System, for instance Matric or Inter exams. The rules for doing so are given below.

O Levels (GCSE/IGCSE/GCE)

O Levels is considered equivalent Secondary Scool Certificate (SSC) or Matric Level in the Pakistani system, if the following requirements are met:

• Students must have at least three elective subjects in O Levels with minimum E grade, along with the required compulsory subjects. The compulsory subjects as follows:
  • Pakistan Based Examinations: English, Mathematics, Urdu, Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies
  • Overseas Based Examinations: English, Mathematics
• Students must have the given electives to qualify for each of the following groups:
  • Science Group: Physics, Chemistry, Biology*/Computer Science/Information Technology
  • Arts Group: All other subject

*Note: Students wishing to pursue further education in the Medical field must have Biology in O Levels.

A Levels (GCE)

A Levels is considered equivalent to Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or Intermediate Level in the Pakistani Education System, given that the qualification at SSC or Matric Level is complete. Minimum subject requirements for equivalence to specific intermediate streams or groups are as follows:

• Pre-Engineering Group:
  • O Levels: All required compulsory subjects with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as electives
  • A Levels: Physics, Chemistry, Biology with a minimum E grade
• Pre-Medical Group:
  • O Levels:  All required compulsory subjects with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Computer Science as electives
  • A Levels: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics with a minimum E grade
• Computer Science Group:
  • O Levels: All required compulsory subjects with at least three electives
  • A Levels: Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
• Humanities Group:
  • O Levels: All required compulsory subjects with at least three electives
  • A Levels: Any three (minimum) A level subjects

Rules for Compulsory Subjects

In general, to be able to apply for equivalence, Pakistani students need to give a minimum of eight O level subjects. These consist of any three electives and five compulsory subjects namely English, Mathematics, Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan studies. Foreign nationals, however, are exempted from Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies, and can apply for equivalence based on five O levels subject only as long as they have given English and Mathematics.

For exemptions in Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies for Pakistani national students the following rules apply:

• All Pakistani nationals appearing for examinations from Pakistan shall have to pass Urdu, Islamiyat, and Pakistan Studies along with other required subjects to qualify for equivalence.
• If a Pakistani national candidate studies and appears for both GCSE/IGCSE/GCE ‘O’ Levels & GCE ‘A’ Levels examination from abroad, Urdu, Islamiyat, and Pakistan Studies will be exempted and not be considered as a compulsory requirement.
• Exemption of Compulsory subjects namely Islamiyat, Urdu, and Pakistan Studies to Pakistani origin dual nationality holder students Passing GCE ‘O’ Levels or Equivalent Foreign qualification from Schools based in Pakistan.
• If a candidate passes GCE ‘O’ Levels or equivalent qualification from abroad and appears for GCE ‘A’ Levels or equivalent from Pakistan or vice versa, he/she has to pass Urdu, Islamiyat, and Pakistan Studies at SSC or GCE ‘O’ Levels for obtaining Equivalence Certificate.

Calculation of Equivalence

The table gives the mark you’ll assigned when converting a given grade. You need to score at least an E in a particular subject to be applicable for IBCC equivalence.

For A* equivalent marks are assigned each year for different subjects based on the average marks that year. The marks for examination session 2023 are given below.

For O and A levels

Challenges and Considerations

1. Subject Selection: The subjects chosen during O and A Levels can impact the equivalence. It’s important to select subjects that align with your intended field of study in Pakistan.
2. Timing: The equivalence process can take time, so it’s crucial to apply well in advance of any university application deadlines.
3. Documentation: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid any delays in the process.
4. Consistency: Sometimes students have discrepancies in their some information in various documents, for example, in their full name or date of birth. You should make sure your information is consistent across all your documents.

Conclusion

Obtaining an IBCC equivalence certificate is a crucial step for students who have completed their O and A Levels abroad and wish to continue their education or start their careers in Pakistan. By understanding the process and requirements, students can ensure a smooth transition and recognition of their international qualifications within the Pakistani education system.