O LEVEL & A LEVEL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN

Introduction:

The A-levels and O-levels are the educational patterns, other countries are adopting, including Pakistan; this educational system is based on the British manner and educational system. It has progressively grown a significant following of admirers and followers thanks to the modernization of education in Pakistan and the expansion of this system.

O level vs Matric:

After passing the middle grade you might be wondering what you should do next? After passing Grade 8, every student has two choices; Matric or O level. let's know the basic differences between Matric and O-level. Matric is an SSC certificate issued by the Higher and Secondary Board of Education in Pakistan while the O-level is conducted by the Cambridge International Examination. It is a British degree and globally recognized.

The duration of Matric is 2 years while O-level's duration is 3 years. O-level is an English medium degree while Matric is an English and Urdu medium.

If we compare Matric and O-level syllabus then the O-level syllabus is more conceptual, comprehensive, theoretical, and activity-based. The O-level degree is expensive compared to the Matric, average or middle-class students can't afford the O-level degree. 

Subjects for O-Level:

The o-Level Syllabus is divided into 3 options category and each option has 8 optional and compulsory subjects. Every option contains 8 subjects, of which the first five are called core subjects which are compulsory and the other 3 subjects are elective subjects. The students must select one of them.

 

Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
English	English	English
Urdu	Urdu	Urdu
Islamiyat	Islamiyat	Islamiyat
Pak-Study	Pak-Study	Pak-Study
Mathematics	Mathematics	Mathematics
Physics	Physics	Accounting
Chemistry	Chemistry	Economics
Biology	Computer Science	Business Studies/ Computer Science

 

A level vs Intermediate:

Intermediate (FA/FSc) and A-Leve both are two years degrees. However, FSc or FA is conducted by the Higher and Secondary Board of Education while A-level is handled by British International Boards and its degree is internationally recognized. 

Matric exams are conducted once a year while A-Level exams are conducted twice a year. If we compare A level with FSc in Pakistan, then A-level is a more convenient degree but also expensive. There is an oxford syllabus in A-Level but the FSc syllabus follows the SSC. The bulk of people in Pakistan cannot afford this.

But it is obvious that after doing A level you have more job opportunities not only in Pakistan but also abroad.

 Subjects for A-Level:

You have multiple choices for subjects in A-Level. Except for compulsory subjects (Urdu, English, Islamiyat, or Pak-Study) you can choose subjects according to your will. 

The Optional subjects are listed below:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics
• English Literature
• English Language
• History
• Law
• Global Perspectives
• Media Studies
• Physics 
• Psychology
• Mathematics Further
• Environmental Management
• AICT
• Thinking Skills
• Food Studies
• Design and Textile
• Business Studies
• Sociology

Scholarship for O&A Level:

Actually, there are no scholarships offered in Pakistan. However, your O-level results may be useful for obtaining a scholarship for your A-Level college entry. Each college has its own unique standards for each field.

For instance, one institute might offer 20% in scholarships for 2A students, while another might offer 15% or else. It just varies depending on the institutions.

Scope of O & A levels in Pakistan:

According to Cambridge, this certificate lets a student build an analytical, critical, and cooperative attitude, and the scope of this qualification is likely to expand beyond studies as well. Students who complete this curriculum successfully may be admitted to international universities such as Harvard and Cambridge.  

Advantages & Disadvantages of O-Level and A-Level:

Let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages of A-level and O Level degrees.

Advantages:

There are some advantages for O & A level students:

• They provide students with the skills they need for life and enable them to discover new abilities and a larger world
• Their degree is internationally recognized
• You can easily apply for abroad higher education after A-level
• They have a vast range of subjects
• Foreign Universities preferred A & O levels
• They enhance your personality skills and motivated you

Disadvantages:

There are some disadvantages of the O & A level in Pakistan:

• O & A Levels are very expensive for most people in Pakistan
• It is very time-consuming 
• The competition in O & A levels are very tough among the students
• O & A levels are more valuable internationally but have limited worth nationally

Final Thought:

Do you realize that the Sindh Government of Pakistan has also implemented this O-level and A-level studies pattern in their school systems? This educational system was first implemented by the UK's British education department.