A Level Is Equal to Which Class in Pakistan? A Complete Guide for Students and Parents

In Pakistan, one of the most common questions students and parents ask is: “A Level is equal to which class in Pakistan?” The education system in Pakistan is diverse, with two main streams — the local board system (Matriculation and Intermediate) and the international system (O Levels and A Levels). Understanding the equivalence between these two systems is important for students planning their academic and professional journeys.

This blog will explore the equivalence of A Levels in Pakistan, how it compares to local classes, its recognition by universities, career opportunities, challenges, and frequently asked questions. If you are a student, parent, or guardian trying to figure out whether A Levels are the right path, this comprehensive guide will help you.

Understanding A Levels

A Levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are part of the British education system, administered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. Typically taken after completing O Levels, A Levels span two years and prepare students for higher education.

In Pakistan, A Levels are highly popular among students from private schools because they are internationally recognized and open pathways to universities both locally and abroad.

A Level Equivalence in Pakistan

So, what is A Level equal to in Pakistan? In simple terms:

• Two years of A Levels (AS and A2) are considered equivalent to Intermediate (FSc/FA/ICS/I.Com).
• A Level graduates are awarded an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) Pakistan.
• AS Level alone (one year) is not considered equivalent to full Intermediate — students must complete both years (A1 and A2).

In Pakistan’s local system:

• Matriculation (10th Grade) → Equivalent to O Levels (Grade 11 in British system).
• Intermediate (12th Grade / FSc/FA) → Equivalent to A Levels.

Why Students Choose A Levels in Pakistan

A Levels are often preferred by families who want a globally recognized education system that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and conceptual learning. Here are some reasons why A Levels are popular in Pakistan:

• International Recognition – Universities worldwide accept A Level qualifications.
• Flexibility in Subject Choice – Students can select from sciences, commerce, humanities, or a mix, based on career goals.
• Better Critical Thinking Skills – A Levels focus on analysis, reasoning, and application of concepts rather than rote memorization.
• Scholarship Opportunities – Many universities abroad and in Pakistan offer scholarships to A Level graduates.
• Pathway to Foreign Universities – A Levels align directly with admission requirements of top universities worldwide.

Comparison: A Levels vs. Intermediate in Pakistan

To better understand the equivalence, let’s compare A Levels and Intermediate:

• Duration: Both A Levels and Intermediate take two years after 10th grade or O Levels.
• Curriculum: Intermediate has a fixed curriculum under local boards, while A Levels offer a wide range of subjects and flexibility.
• Assessment: Intermediate exams are memory-based; A Levels are concept- and skill-based.
• Recognition: Both are recognized in Pakistan, but A Levels have stronger international acceptance.
• Cost: A Levels are significantly more expensive than Intermediate.

How IBCC Converts A Level Grades to Pakistani Equivalence

The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) in Pakistan is responsible for issuing equivalence certificates. Here’s how the conversion works:

• Each A Level subject is compared with a similar Intermediate subject.
• Grades are converted into marks based on a formula decided by IBCC.
• The equivalence certificate then allows students to apply for local universities on the same footing as Intermediate students.

For example:

• A* Grade → 90% equivalence.
• A Grade → 85% equivalence.
• B Grade → 75% equivalence.
• C Grade → 65% equivalence.

Challenges A Level Students Face in Pakistan

While A Levels provide global recognition, students often face challenges when applying to local universities:

• Equivalence Issues: Some top medical and engineering universities have strict requirements for specific subjects.
• High Competition: A Level students may lose merit spots to Intermediate students due to grading differences.
• Cost Factor: A Levels are financially demanding compared to Intermediate.
• Limited Seats: Some public universities reserve fewer seats for A Level graduates.

Career Opportunities After A Levels in Pakistan

Completing A Levels in Pakistan opens doors to multiple opportunities:

• Medical and Engineering Universities – With proper subject selection (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math), students can apply for MBBS, BDS, or engineering programs.
• Business and Social Sciences – Subjects like Economics, Business, Sociology, and Psychology prepare students for degrees in business administration, law, economics, and politics.
• Foreign Universities – A Levels are recognized worldwide, making it easier for students to apply abroad.
• Scholarships – Many international scholarships (like Chevening, Fulbright, etc.) prefer A Level backgrounds.

Conclusion

To summarize, A Levels in Pakistan are equivalent to Intermediate (FSc/FA/ICS/I.Com). They provide students with a global edge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities to study abroad. However, they are costly and sometimes create merit calculation issues for admission into Pakistani universities.

If you are planning your academic journey, choose A Levels if you aim for international education and career opportunities, and opt for Intermediate if you want a more affordable, straightforward path to local universities.