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Among the crucial decisions is the decision to choose the right field of education at secondary and higher secondary level of education. However, in order to make the right choice, an in-depth understanding of the various streams of education is essential. It plays a pivotal role in determining one`s bright future.
There are many streams that learners can opt for after their middle years of education, i.e. Grade 8. In Grade 9 and 10, students have the option to choose between matriculation stream (Secondary School Certification), which is a public exam for Class 9 and 10 Separately. Alternatively, they can choose international qualifications such as O` Levels or International Baccalaureate Programme.
Similarly, when students reach their higher secondary level (Grade 11 and 12), they can either go for the International A Levels and IB-Diploma Programme or the local Intermediate programme. Intermediate Education is also referred to as, “Higher Secondary School Certification” – HSSC.
Students who are at this important stage of life, need to foster a deep understanding of intermediate education so they can make informed decisions. This blog will examine Intermediate education in detail to enlighten students about its eligibility criteria, future prospects, advantages, core , elective subjects and examinations, and grading system.
Overview of Intermediate Education in Pakistan
Intermediate Education in Pakistan, also known as Higher Secondary School Certification (HSSC), is the educational programme offered after matriculation. It comprises two levels, i.e., the first year and second year. In total, the programme is for two years and at the end of each year, students must appear in the examinations.
However, the question remains: what does intermediate mean???
In simple terms, it is the educational programme offered to learners after completing their matriculation / 10th grade. Formally, the certification is known as Higher Secondary School Certification (HSSC), and it is offered by the national exam bodies of Pakistan – Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.
Students who are interested in pursuing the Intermediate programme have several stream options to choose from. It caters to the needs of a wide range of students, belonging to diverse fields such as Engineering, Medical, Commerce, Humanities and Computer Science.
From tech enthusiasts to future doctors, aspiring engineers to students of art and history, intermediate education in Pakistan has something for everyone.
Eligibility Criteria for Intermediate Education in Pakistan
Before proceeding with the Eligibility Criteria, let’s take a look at the groups offered at the intermediate level in Pakistan. Below are the streams or groups students can choose from based on their career aspirations.
1. FSc (Faculty of Science)
a. Pre-Medical
b. Pre-Engineering
2. I. Com (Intermediate in Commerce)
3. ICS (Intermediate in Computer Science)
4. FA (Faculty of Arts)
FSc (Faculty of Science)
Faculty of Science is for those students who are keen explorers, aspiring innovators and have a greater thirst for knowledge. Science students have curiosity to engage in scientific inquiry and discover the world of biology, chemistry, physics and beyond.
This programme presents students with two options: FSc Pre-Engineering and FSc Pre Medical
Eligibility Criteria of FSc
Eligibility criteria for FSc Pre-Medical or Pre-Engineering is almost the same in all of the private or government educational institutions.
1. Applicants must have successfully completed matriculation with at least 70% marks.
2. Applicants must have taken science subjects, i.e. Chemistry. Physics and Biology for Pre-Medical and Chemistry, Physics and Biology or Computer Science for Pre-Engineering degrees.
I.COM (Intermediate in Commerce)
Intermediate in Commerce (I.Com) is the stream of study that focuses on accounting and commerce. It is specifically for students who want to build their careers in accountancy, commerce, finance, or related disciplines. The duration of this degree is also two years, divided into Part 1 and Part 2, with an exam at the end of each year.
Eligibility Criteria of I.Com
In order to be eligible for admission into the I.Com. Intermediate programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Applicants must have successfully completed matriculation
2. The minimum marks required are 45 percent in matriculation
ICS (Intermediate in Computer Science)
Intermediate in Computer Science (ICS) is designed for students who are interested in understanding about computers and the world of technology. In short, it is for tech enthusiasts who want to pursue their careers in this rapidly advancing field.
Read More: Understanding ICS: Scope and Opportunities in Pakistan
Eligibility Criteria of ICS
In order to be eligible for ICS (Intermediate in Computer Science), students must have passed their matriculation with science group (including Computer Science). The minimum marks required in Matriculation are 70%.
However, the eligibility criteria for ICS in Pakistan vary among top colleges.
FA (Faculty of Arts)
The Faculty of Arts (FA) is an Intermediate education in Pakistan designed to cater to the needs of students who want to pursue careers in the arts, humanities, literature, history, sociology and other related fields. This programme is quite different from the other intermediate programmes listed above and is often considered one of the easier degrees.
Similar to other intermediate level education, the FA programme spans two years. It focuses on fostering critical thinking, enhancing cultural literacy and enlightening applicants about their history.
Eligibility Criteria of FA
The eligibility criteria for an FA degree is quite simple. To be eligible for admission into FA programme, applicants must have cleared matriculation with a minimum of 45 marks.
Future Prospects of Intermediate Education Graduates
Students often qualify for multiple streams of intermediate programmes which can confuse them about which field to select. Sometimes, they are interested in more than two streams or they can`t decide between programmes as to whether they should pursue A` Levels or Intermediate qualifications. Therefore, to assist students in making informed decisions, this article will also shed light on the future prospects of intermediate graduates.
Diversified Streams of Education:
Intermediate Education Graduates are presented with diversified streams to pursue undergraduate qualifications in. For instance, graduates of FSc Pre-Medical can enroll in MBBS degree programmes to become future doctors. However, unfortunately, due to intense competition, it becomes quite challenging for pre-medical graduates to secure their seat in MBBS programme.
Nevertheless, they have various other fields to build their careers in such as BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and other health sciences. Beyond traditional medical fields, pre-medical graduates can also explore their careers in allied health sciences and business studies as well.
Similar is the case with pre-engineering graduates, either they can pursue careers in typical engineering fields such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer engineering or they can specialize in new fields such as Machine learning, Data Science, Artificial intelligence, etc.
Diversified Skill Set:
Regardless of the streams students choose, they undergo a rigorous academic programme which enhances their current skills and enables them to acquire new ones as well.
The combination of academic knowledge and a diversified skill set opens various doors of opportunity for them in their careers ahead. Moreover, it enables them to navigate through challenging situations smoothly. For instance, languages learned during ICS can help learners develop effective solutions by developing software or program using them.
In the same manner, I.Com. graduates` expertise in accounting, business and finance can lead them to become successful entrepreneurs. They can utilize their skills to analyse the market, identify opportunities through market research and launch startups to meet the customer’s demand.
Public Sector and Civil Services:
For students who are aiming to join the public sector or civil services, intermediate programme serves as a strong platform to pave their pathway towards their destination. Intermediate programme enables them to prepare for and excel in the Central Superior Services Programme (CSS).
Qualifying these programmes ensures them a promising career in positions such as assistant commissioners, foreign officers, custom officers, tax inspector, police officers, medical officers and more.
Advantages of Pursuing Intermediate Education in Pakistan
Without a doubt, Intermediate education in Pakistan serves as a cornerstone for higher education in Pakistan. Deciding on the relevant field of your interest and passion in Grades 11 and 12 can lead students towards their destination smoothly. It will enable them to navigate through all challenges easily as they climb the ladder of success, achieving multiple milestones in a systematic manner.
Let`s take a look at the advantages of pursuing intermediate in Pakistan, as this will assist students in the decision-making process.
Intermediate programme builds a strong foundation of learners by equipping them with essential knowledge and fostering their conceptual clarity about significant concepts. During the 2 years of the intermediate programme, students are taught a carefully designed, comprehensive curriculum tailored to the needs of each stream or group.
Science students are imparted basic knowledge about physics, chemistry, biology and computer science, which is crucial for their higher education in related fields such as engineering, medicine, research and more.
Along with the theoretical knowledge, students also have a multitude of opportunities to explore, investigate and experiment in the laboratories. They gain hands on experience, which enhances their theoretical understanding of the subject as well as their practical skills.
Moreover, engagement in such practical activities ignites their curiosity and sparks creativity. Students acquire an enriching learning experience which instills the significance of scientific inquiry and solution-driven mindset
Overall, intermediate education in Pakistan offers learners with the platform to build strong foundation about their field of interest, gain hands on experience and develop practical skills.
Core and Elective Subjects in Intermediate Programs
Similar to SSC certification, students at HSSC level are also required to take core and elective subjects. As per the educational stream of students, the elective subject varies.
Core Subjects in Intermediate Education
Core subjects are subjects which all students must take regardless of their stream or field of study. Following are the core subjects;
1. English
2. Urdu
3. Mathematics
4. Pakistan Studies
5. Islamic studies
Elective Subjects in Intermediate Education
List of the elective subjects are per the streams are given below:
Science Group
1. FSC: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Pre-Engineering) / Biology (Pre-Medical)
2. ICS: Elective subject combinations are as follows:
a. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
b. Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science
c. Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
Humanities:
Elective courses in FA are Fine Arts, History, Sociology, Geography, Education, Economics, Islamiyat Elective, Civics, English Literature, Phy. Education etc.
Note: There are several subject combinations for FA that varies from college to college.
Commerce:
Elective courses in I.COM are Principal of Accounting, Computer Studies or Banking, Business Mathematics, Principal of Economics, Principal of Commerce, Commercial Geography and Statistics.
Evaluation and Examination System for Intermediate Education in Pakistan
Intermediate evaluation and examination system is quite rigorous and well-thought out. It consists of several stages to ensure students` readiness and preparation for their higher education at a later stage.
Students opting intermediate education in Pakistan must sit for external examinations to obtain Higher Secondary School Certification (HSSC). These annual board examinations are conducted federal and various provincial boards. The aim of these examinations to assess students` knowledge about their chosen field.
Students sit for examinations for all the compulsory and elective subjects and their exams are graded subject to the category of subject. For instance, English and Urdu are allotted 100 marks for each part that, meaning that at the end of second year, students will receive a total of 200 marks.
Whereas, the scenario is different for science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Although these subjects are also allotted 200 marks for each part but their marks are further divided into practical and theoretical exam.
Before these external examinations, students are prepared at their colleges with continued assessments in the form of quizzes and mock examinations. The purpose of these internal examinations is to prepare, asses and give feedback to learners for better preparation for external examinations.
FAQs
What does Intermediate Education mean in Pakistan?
Intermediate is Higher Secondary School Certification governed by local educational boards of Pakistan. It spans 2 years and is for learners who have successfully completed their Matriculation. In Intermediate, students have to take external examinations twice.
How many subjects are there in Intermediate Education in Pakistan?
There are usually 7 subjects in both First Year and Second Year. Four are core or compulsory subjects, while three are electives. English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies and Islamiyat are core subjects. The three elective subjects vary as per the chosen group.
What is the difference between Intermediate Education and O Levels in Pakistan?
Intermediate is the educational level for students who have successfully passed their Matriculation. Whereas O Levels is an international qualification offered by Cambridge International Assessment for learners after their middle years.
What career paths are available for Intermediate Education graduates?
Intermediate education graduates have various career paths from which they can choose. However, the selection of higher education and career pursuit depends on the study stream that students select. ICS students can pursue career in technology and computing, and AI, Medical students can pursue their career in medicine and health care.
Similarly, ICOM graduates can build their careers in accountancy, finance, business etc.
How does Intermediate Education compare to other educational systems in Pakistan?
It is one of the most widely recognized and affordable local education systems in Pakistan. All universities in Pakistan accept the HSSC certifications. It is taught in almost all of the public schools and most of the private schools as well. For HSSC, students don`t have to acquire IBCC equivalence, unlike other international qualifications such as O Levels and IB.
Conclusion
Intermediate Education also referred to as High Secondary School Certification, is a public certification offered by federal and various provincial boards of Pakistan. It is a well-structured programme that plays an essential role in ensuring student`s smooth transit from secondary to higher secondary education.
This comprehensive educational programme caters to the needs of a diverse group of students, including those interested in medical, business, finance, arts, literature and many more fields. Offered at Grade 11 and Grade 12, Intermediate degree spans 2 years. At the end of each year, students must sit for external examinations in 7 subjects. Out of which four are compulsory subjects (English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies) and three are electives, which are selected according to the chosen group.
There are various educational streams available for students to choose from such as ICS, FSC, ICOM and FA. Aligned with these streams, a wide array of career opportunities becomes available to learners.
Being a crucial part of students` educational journey, Intermediate serves as a cornerstone in developing a strong academic foundation and a diverse skill set, enabling students to thrive not only in their higher education but in practical life as well.
In conclusion, after passion matriculation, students enter another important phase of their educational journey, i.e., Grades 11 and 12. It is that stage where they not only choose their educational stream but also develop a conceptual understanding of it and acquire the related skill set, which later assists in achieving a successful career.
Nothing is more important than choosing the career of their interest and it becomes easier to achieve their goals when they are well aware of the challenges that they might face in their journey and what rewards they will achieve after reaching their destination.
