Higher Secondary School Certificate from Pakistan update
UK ENIC will soon assess the Pakistan Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), awarded to students following the new National Curriculum of Pakistan (NCP), as comparable to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level / Scottish Higher (RQF Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 / CQFW Level 3).
The first cohort of students studying the new curriculum will complete their HSSC (also known as ‘Intermediate’) examinations in summer 2026.
Background
The NCP (2022-23) is the first, core, national curriculum in Pakistan’s history. It was developed through a nationwide consultative process led by the National Curriculum Council. It aims to move classroom instruction away from rote learning to concept-based learning.
Why compare to AS level?
UK ENIC’s new comparability advice reflects the NCP’s updated subject content guidelines, with associated subject learning outcomes and assessment frameworks, which show good overlap with UK GCE AS level for many subjects.
The NCP’s assessment frameworks and model exam questions showed a stronger focus on defining, describing and explaining, than typical A level examination questions.
Also, A level assessments have a greater emphasis on evaluating arguments, analysing evidence and making informed judgments. An AS level comparability was felt to more closely reflect the skills and learning outcomes of the new HSSC curriculum.
Note that we refer to ‘comparability’ rather than ‘equivalency’ because no two qualifications are the same.
The new UK comparison does not imply that the HSSC is the same as GCE AS levels or Scottish Highers in counterpart subjects, but rather that the knowledge and skills acquired are broadly similar.
Final note
The new comparability guidance will not apply to any HSSC awarded before 2026; the current comparison of GCSE (grades A*-C / 9-4) / Scottish National 5 (grades A-C) / Intermediate Welsh Baccalaureate will continue to apply to these awards.
If members have any questions, please contact UK ENIC for more information.