Answers to questions received from Cambridge schools on IBCC’s announcement dated 23 August 2021 on exemption of compulsory subjects in 2021
1. What will be the procedure for filing exemption at IBCC? Is it a usual process or some additional documentation will be required?
IBCC will require a letter from the examining body and will also make a reference on equivalence certificate for future use and record.
2. Does the exemption apply on both exam series of Cambridge in 2021?
The exemption policy has been devised for students completing five subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives) of their Cambridge O Level / IGCSE in May/June 2021 exams series only.
3. How will IBCC calculate marks for the three subjects, if a student avails exemption in Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu?
IBCC will calculate equivalence of Cambridge O Level / IGCSE for year 2021 based on a student’s performance in his/her five elective subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives).
4. How would IBCC calculate the marks for the exempted subject, when the same batch applies for equivalence after completing their A Level in 2023?
IBCC will grant equivalence based on five Cambridge O Level/IGCSE plus three A Level (total eight) subjects in cases where a student avails the exemption in three compulsory subjects. If a student chooses not to avail exemption and applies for equivalence based on all eight Cambridge O Level / IGCSE subjects, IBCC will grant equivalence based on eight Cambridge O Level/IGCSE and three A Level (total eleven) subjects, as per usual practice.
5. Is the new A* equivalence applicable on students who sat for two or three exams in 2020 and the rest in July 2021?
New equivalence of A* would be applicable on all May / June 2021 grades.
6. Can a student who is appearing in three compulsory subjects (Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu) for the first time in October / November 2021 exams series get an exemption in these three subjects? In other words, by appearing only in five subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives) in June 2022 exams?
The exemption policy has been devised for students completing five subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives) of their Cambridge O Level / IGCSE in May/June 2021 exams series only.
7. If a student appeared in Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu in October / November 2020 exams series but was ungraded in one subject (e.g. Islamiyat). The student sits for exams in five subjects in July replacement exams but since Islamiyat was not included, he/she registered for the subject in October / November 2021 exam series. Will this student be eligible for the exemption?
Yes, all such students would be exempted from passing the three compulsory subjects. However, if the students have passed the three compulsory subjects in previous years and five subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives) in May/June 2021 and choose to apply for equivalence based on all eight subjects, they will be granted equivalence based on eight subjects. In this case, it is students’ choice whether to avail exemption or not.
8. If a student has sat for exams in May / June 2021 series in five subjects (English, Mathematics and three electives) but plans to retake one or more subjects in future exams series to improve grades, will this exemption rule still be applicable?
Yes, the student would be eligible for exemption if he/she already got registered and sat for exams in May / June 2021 series but wants to improve his/her grades.
9. A student has sat for exam in two compulsory subjects (e.g. Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies) in 2020 and was to sit for Cambridge O Level / IGCSE Urdu exam in the May/June 2021 series but the exam got postponed and then Cambridge O Level / IGCSE Urdu was not offered in the July/Aug replacement exams. In this case, will the student be eligible for exemption in Cambridge O Level / IGCSE Urdu?
Such students will be exempted from the three compulsory subjects (Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu).
10. For students who appeared for three subjects in July / August replacement exams and are registered for the remaining two subjects in October / November 2021, will they be exempted from Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu?
No, such students will not be eligible to avail an exemption in three compulsory subjects (Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu).
11. Will the exemption apply to those Pakistani students who sat for Cambridge O Level/ IGCSE exams from abroad in May / June 2021, but will have completed their A Level in Pakistan in a future exam series?
Yes, such students will be eligible to avail an exemption in three compulsory subjects (Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Urdu).
12. Is this exemption applicable on private candidates? How do you plan to communicate this information to private candidates?
The process for private candidates has not changed. They will apply for equivalence with exempted subjects as per the existing process. They are advised to contact British Council if they have any question.
Note: The above questions have been answered based on media reports, IBCC’s 23 August notification and verbal updates from senior contacts at IBCC. Cambridge schools are advised to contact IBCC if they have any concerns or need further clarity.
Is this applicable for International Baccalaureate (IB) students as well. thanks
The A Level grades for year 2021 are adjusted as per old criteria & tge issued grades are valid for three months. During this time admissions to Medical Colleges will be finalised. There is a need to adjust the grades of those students who have applied for IBCC Equivalence immediately as per new Policy of 2021 as the FSc students have already been awarded much higher grades. As per the old criteria, the A Level students are at a Great Disadvantage as compared to FSc Students.
Regards
Date guzarne ke baad yaad aaya hai?
What will IBCC do if we take extra subject in o lvels plz reply
Do IBCC still deduct or reduces our grades when we apply for equavalence?