With the release of the updated Scheme of Studies and Syllabus for Grade 12 (Intermediate Part-II), the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has made a significant contribution to educational reform. This significant development introduces modernized academic frameworks balanced subject structures and enhanced opportunities for practical learning.
The new program aims to prepare students for postsecondary education and professional careers in a world that is becoming more and more competitive. While bringing Pakistani intermediate education into line with international academic standards.
A Modern Approach to Higher Secondary Education
Under the revised framework all Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) programs will now be classified into two broad categories General Education and Technical Education. Every category has been thoughtfully designed to develop students creativity critical thinking and employable skills.
At the intermediate level students in Grades 11 and 12 will study four compulsory subjects and three elective subjects according to their chosen academic group. The available academic groups include Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, General Science/Computer Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, Commerce, Home Economics, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and the newly introduced Health Sciences disciplines.
This new approach aims to make education more relevant to real world needs offering flexibility to students to choose subjects that match their career aspirations.
Compulsory Subjects and Updated Mark Distribution
The FBISE’s new structure maintains the essential compulsory subjects that form the foundation of Pakistan’s educational system. These include Urdu, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, and the Translation of the Holy Quran. For non-Muslim students, Ethics or Religious Education will be offered as alternatives.
Each subject carries the following marks distribution:
- Urdu / Pakistan Culture (for foreign students): 200 marks
- English: 200 marks
- Islamic Studies: 50 marks
- Translation of the Holy Quran / Ethics: 100 marks
- Pakistan Studies: 50 marks
The total marks for the HSSC-II program remain 1200 excluding any additional subjects. For students who choose extra subjects a separate transcript will be issued to recognize their efforts and achievements.
New Academic Calendar and Institutional Guidelines
To ensure uniformity and academic consistency, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has also introduced new guidelines for school and college schedules. The academic session for both summer and winter zones will begin in the first week of August every year.
Institutions operating on a five day week must complete 110 working days while those following a six day week will observe 150 working days annually. Each academic day will include 5 to 5.5 instructional hours ensuring adequate time for both classroom instruction and laboratory work.
Morning assemblies, national songs and physical activities have been made compulsory components to the school routine to develop discipline, patriotism and holistic student engagement.
Emphasizing Practical Learning Alongside Theory
A key highlight of the new 12th Class Scheme of Studies is the balanced ratio between theory and practical learning. Recognizing the growing need for hands-on skills, the FBISE has set a new evaluation pattern:
- General Education: 80% theory and 20% practical
- Technical Education: 40% theory and 60% practical
This approach promotes experiential learning, especially for students enrolled in technical, vocational and skill based programs. By encouraging practical applications the board ensures that students gain academic knowledge but also develop real world competencies.
Expanded Choice of Elective Subjects
With more than 35 elective subjects available the updated HSSC-II syllabus gives students more options for how they want to pursue their education. While new and developing fields like entrepreneurship, human resource management, event management, computer graphics, advertising and automation and robotics technology have been added, traditional subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, economics, psychology, sociology, civics and history continue to play a significant role.
The addition of courses like philosophy, fine arts, foreign languages (Arabic, French, Chinese, German, Persian) and regional languages (Balochi, Pashto, Saraiki, Punjabi, Sindhi) to the Humanities and Social Sciences stream is a testament to FBISE commitment to fostering linguistic enrichment and cultural diversity throughout Pakistan.
Strengthening Technical and Vocational Pathways
Programs for Technical and Vocational Education (Inter Tech) are also given a lot of weight in the updated plan. The purpose of these specialized tracks is to give students skills that are applicable to contemporary industries. The newly introduced vocational courses include
- Fashion Designing and Textile Construction
- Graphic Designing and Media Production
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- IoT and Data Coding
- Beautician and Cosmetology
- HVACR and Civil Construction Technology
Each of these programs incorporates modern modules such as Cloud Computing, Tourism Management, Applied HVACR Systems and Media Production. Also ensuring students graduate with industry ready skills that enhance employability both locally and internationally.
Allied Health Sciences: A New Academic Stream
One of the most groundbreaking features of the new HSSC-II syllabus is the introduction of the Allied Health Sciences (AHS) stream. This stream opens up early specialization opportunities for students with a background in Pre-Medical studies.
The AHS program includes professional courses in Medical Laboratory Science, Operation Theatre Technology, Radiography and Ultrasound, Physiotherapy, Cardiac Care and Anesthesia Technology, Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health.
Every course prepares students for careers in healthcare by combining fundamental medical sciences with hands on training. It also offers pathways to higher education in clinical technology, nursing and medicine. This program also helps meet Pakistan’s increasing need for qualified medical personnel.
Promoting Holistic Development and Community Service
In an effort to encourage community engagement students will now earn 10 additional marks at the SSC or HSSC level through participation in the Each One Teach One (EOTO) initiative. This literacy campaign inspires students to educate at least one illiterate person promoting social responsibility and empathy.
To promote overall student development extracurricular activities like debate contests, sports, IT skill development, environmental projects and mind games will be graded independently. This signifies a change toward an educational system that is more balanced, inclusive and values both academic and personal development.
Introduction of Functional English and Urdu
Starting from the academic session 2026–27, new syllabi for Functional English and Functional Urdu will be introduced at the higher secondary level. These updated courses aim to enhance students’ practical communication and writing skills for academic and professional use. However, for the 2025–26 session, the existing Urdu Compulsory and English Compulsory syllabi will remain in effect.
Focus on Quranic Education and Moral Values
The FBISE revised syllabus places significant emphasis on Quranic education and ethical development. The Translation of the Holy Quran has been made a separate compulsory subject for both Grades 11 and 12. Assessments will be conducted in Urdu or English depending on the institution language of instruction.
Students will study selected Surahs including Al-Baqarah, Aal-e-Imran, Al-Nisa, Al-Maida, Al-Tawbah and others to understanding of Islamic principles and values. For non Muslim students the subject of Ethics will continue to provide moral and spiritual guidance through a universal framework.
Parhlo Pakistan: Your Trusted Educational Resource
For students, parents and educators seeking accurate updates, syllabus information and educational resources Parhlo Pakistan serves as a comprehensive platform. The website provides detailed guides exam preparation materials and past papers for all major boards across Pakistan.
By offering authentic and timely information Parhlo Pakistan empowers students to stay informed and achieve academic excellence. Whether you are preparing for board exams exploring new subject options or staying updated with curriculum changes Parhlo Pakistan remains your reliable educational companion.
Conclusion
The revised 12th Class Scheme of Studies and Syllabus for HSSC-II announced by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education marks a new era in Pakistan educational landscape. With its focus on balanced learning diverse subject choices skill based education and moral development the scheme ensures that students receive a holistic and forward looking education.
By merging theory with practice promoting technical and vocational skills and emphasizing values based learning. FBISE is paving the way for a generation of students who are academically competent also socially responsible and globally competitive.
This restructured framework represents a strong commitment to quality education one that equips Pakistani youth with the knowledge, confidence and practical abilities needed to thrive in higher education and in the professional world.
