Problems faced after A-levels

Here I am going to tell you some facts, for the students who want to study in Pakistan after their A-level and want to get admission at some very competitive colleges and universities, like government medical colleges or engineering universities in Pakistan. I figured it out through the experience of some of my friends and people around, who had suffered with some problems while getting admission after their A-levels in Pakistan.

In Pakistan they do not accept the grades obtained in O and A level, they covert the grades obtained by the students into equivalent of matric or FSc respectively. The conversion of the grades is done in such a manner that it reduces the marks of students very low. This harms students a lot when they come down in the ranking while making merit at college or university. To get As’ in O or A-level is not an easy job. It takes a lot of hard work, time, energy, sacrifices and money. and when all this is resulted into low marks, it is really unfair, but students cannot do or say anything as it’s the rule.

I do not know the exact formula of conversion, but as far as I know I can share here, while converting the grades of o-level, 5 subjects are taken into consideration, if all are As’ means you have 5 As’ then your grades will earn 723 marks for those. and in conversion of A-levels 3 subjects are taken, and they can earn maximum of 935 marks against you 3 As’ and 5 As’ of O-level. See now, competition is getting higher and higher every year, consequently, marks and merit. To compete with these marks becomes very tough.

Above mentioned was one very major problem, there is another one, after A-levels, for the preparation of entry tests of medical colleges or engineering universities they have to study all the FSc syllabus. They have to prepare and learn the books in 2 months. Because entry test are designed out of these books. But now I heard from a friend of mine that there is gonna be a separate test for A-Level students.

These are the problems what O and A-level students have to face. So keeping all the facts in consideration, the students who want to study in Pakistan, they should not at least do A-levels. See, person with A-level and other with FSc, at the end both are at the same level at the same place, when they are at any university or college together. At that point there, it doesn’t matter how much hard work or money have you put in, both are found at the same level and both are equal.

77 Comments:

Anonymous said...

so what we have to do after copleting our a-levels

Shahzaib Siddiq said...

@anonymous: well you must start your further studies in the field you chose for your A-Levels.

Madiha Munawar said...

after A-levels you should go for admission at university for under-grad program. if you have excellent grades then you can get admissions at top universities of Pakistan, but if grades are not good then you may get admission at other pvt universities, which may not be very good. you must apply for universities abroad, you can get admission over there with much ease, if you can afford your studies there.

Anonymous said...

What are you people talking about?
I have just completed my A-Levels. I am enrolled in UET Computer Engineering. My Grades: 6 A'(O-Level) and 3 A's(A-Level). Converted marks 915.

About this admission thingy. NUST is worst than UET (atleast it was this year). Exam held a week after A-levels. Most of us flunked, that too, badly. LUMS SSE program was savior for many. However, I felt 2 lacs are too much for asking. 50% scholarship only =(

GIKI is the only institute where A-Level students really get benefited. But again. Too much fees.

I like UET but its boring for me at times. UET should advocate more A-level students here. And the Entry test should have searched for a middle ground between A-level and F.Sc.

Any SPECIFIC queries regarding admissions (Only for A-Levels). Contact me at haider.wiqar@hotmail.com

Madiha Munawar said...

well i think alevel students are most disadvantaged, thats y i came up with this post... there are lots of options for matric/FSc students... look at the marks students are getting nowadays and when alevel students marks are converted they suffer with less marks... so the opportunity is in matric/fsc students' hand that they can be high on merit... and obviously you have to work hard if u really want gem thing... in matric/fsc case the fault is in the whole education system, but they have advantage that ahead they have the same educational system to go for... our education system is very out dated and of under-developed kind but what happens to alevel students, the education they get is far better than local system... so they fall down badly and are hit worst than matric/fsc students...

@ aisha as you talked about nust, matric/fsc students will be facing 2 or three at max, situations like this, and in nust as far as i know a lot of fsc students get admission.... but for alevels students this happens in all institutions when their marks are converted and when entry tests are not from their but fsc syllabus...

anonymous said...

wht abt da new policies which da british council has initiated dat is there is no percentile system anymore!!! wil dat give alevel student any opportunity to get admission easily in good medical colleges???

Unknown said...

there is no such system like..no percentile,
percentile still there,
you can ask from any source............but answer to ur question is that if percentile systen gets closed...so its an big disadvantage to the students of o/a level.

SeenSheen said...

and what if we want to study abroad? would A levels in this case be appropriate? And what is the scope of studying abroad after doing inter?

12345678 said...

after doing f.s.c or matric studying abroad is useless dude!!
if u did a levels!! and u want to study abroad!!
its the same as doing fsc and joining any university here in pakistan........actually while u r doing a levels!! at the time when u r not even completed with it!! if u got good grades in o levels and as level!! there will be calls and letters coming ur home from abroad universities!!

12345678 said...

and whatever U said SHAHZAIB...... dude this all applies for medical universities ... no doubt!! ... but for engineering universities!! if u have got gud grades in the main subjects like for software engineers(PHYSICS, URDU, MATHS AND COMPUTER)for architectural engineer(physics, Urdu, maths and [design and arts])..and blah blah!! now let me explain these briefly!! if u got B in physics B in maths,A in urdu(which is easy)& A in computer(which is the main subject) u'll get admission easily
same goes for architectural engineer...just get an A in the subject u want to go in!! DONt FORget urdu is compulsory!! and
@mohsin!!
DUDE? percentile is over!! and A grade is from 80% to 90% and A* is from 90% to 100% this A* which came after percentile got over is very very helpful for o a level students!! like apply to FAST university they wud prefer u if u got A* in the subject for which u r chosing ur field!!

Anonymous said...

yup! the percentile system has been finished and A* has been introduced. i have myself got an A* in mathematics in O level. but I have done my O levels in three sittings. what disadvantages it will have and to waht extent?? somebody guide me plz...

hira said...

hey, where should i apply for dentistry in pakistan after a levels and is urdu compulsory for me aswell.my subjects in a level r phy chem bio & maths.

Shahzaib Siddiq said...

@Hira: You can apply to Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Its one of the best private colleges for Density.

Unknown said...

i want to know the equivalncy formula of A level after doing matric....??

Anonymous said...

I think another disadvantage of completing O and A Levels in Pakistan and then applying for admission at a university is that FSc equivalence cannot be awarded to the candidate (who has completed O/A Level) until they have taken Urdu, Islamiyat, and Pakistan Studies. As a foreign student in Pakistan with very little knowledge of Urdu or Pakistan, taking these classes is quite tough for me so I have chosen not to take them, but a couple other classes in their stead. Doing this, however, will limit the scope of the universities that I can successfully apply to when the time comes.

Anonymous said...

Hey Everyone.

I'm studying here in Cambridge School Dubai, appeared for 7 IGCSEs; English Urdu Maths Physics Chemistry Biology and IT!
I got a B in English and a B in Urdu, results of the rest Papers are yet to be declared.
My question is how many Alevels should I take for Mechanical Engineering in NUST? Am i eligible to study in NUST if i take Maths Alevels Physics Alevel but Chemistry AS Level in One year?
And will I be treated as an International Student or a National? I'm a Pakistani Passport holder.
I'll be leaving UAE forever after completing my Alevels here. So a little help from you guys will be appreciated.

Thankyou.

drssm said...

i did my olevels and gt a* is islamiyat
A in urdu and B in commerce ..
rest of the subjects result is awaited so can anybody tell me what is the criteria of the colleges like kinnard and lahore for fsc ?
like how many grades and how do they equal the marks with the matric students?

Ahmed Ali Aziz said...

guys could you tell me what is the estimated fee annually for an engineering course at NUST if i have done my a levels

unzila said...

i am in Alevels and my subjects are MATHS,PHY,CHEM,URDY and i have got only 2 As in olevels...and i want to take admission in good university ...just want to know that how much your olevels grades matter ..i mean how many As in olevels are required in pakistani universities...please help. :(

mahnoor said...

I m going to select my field, facing a lot of problems! parents say that matric is gud in Pakistan but i m crazy doing O/A level.. they even allow me to do levelz but comparing matric n FSc there is no scope of A level in Pakistan! main question is that if a person does O/A level n doesn't get enough A's to get a gud scholarship in any university wht wud that person do? Lums university takes 50,000 a month, it is very difficult to even pay 20,000 a month! is there any further option 4 that child? or every hardwork he/she has done is lost?

moonwind said...

what are the requirements needed to make O and A levels equivalence certificate of pakistan if its done from abroad???
HELPPPPPPP!!

Bilal Zafar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bilal Zafar said...

what shall i do after o levels i took computers field with biology in st.michaels scool in clifton
what is the most helpfull thing for me to do in or out of pakistan????
please help me tell as for what shall i do after 0-A levels for me
@Shahzaib Siddiq

Awais Malik said...

Yar Pleaze som1 help me becoz i hv completed my 1st year at o lev bt now i ma confused that there is no scope for o lev in pak 15%marks are also deducted nd lott f otherz i will live in pakistan forever so pleaz some1 help me dat cn i complete it nd go fr fsc???

Unknown said...

So what about commerce student? Would they face the same problem?

Owais Dar said...

im owais i have got 2 AS in urdu and pak studies but Bs in in islamiat and add maths................so want to get into engineering should i go for Fsc or A level

CHAOS said...

I totally agree with this article as it summarizes all the difficulties that i am facing right now.Despite the fact that i secured 4 A's in Alevels ,my aggregate marks are just 835,not to mention my o levels (1A,5B,1c,1d).well but that's pure nonsense,Pakistani universities are selecting those candidates who can learn things by heart and narrate it like a parrot(though there are some with strong concepts and clarity of mind).
Furthermore,unlike in FSC,our aggregate marks are dependent on our O levels!
Indeed, it is selective partiality that GOVT is showing for FSC students and denying all the faith and sincerity put in by A levels students

CHAOS said...

All guys who have done or are doing O levels,i will recommend you people to get atleast 5 A's in O levels.Even if you will smash your A levels(get 4 A's),it won't help you much.Your aggregate marks will not be good enough for you to compete with the locals.

Do improve your O levels if you have already given it!

Unknown said...

hey i did o levels with 2astatrs 4 as and 2 bs.but ihave opted forfsc bcoz in pakistan alevel future sucks

Unknown said...

i have cleared o-lvls and my grades are 4b,s nd 4c,s so can anybody tell me what should be best for my future A-LVLS or FSc ..........
after getting equilancy certificate my overall is 70 percent

Unknown said...

and my subjects are phys chem bio maths eng

Unknown said...

@mohid,.....didnt you have a ten percent deduction when you got your equiv. certificate? Because i was worried that ten percent are deducted when going from o level into intermediate.

talha said...

hey guys i scored 4A* 3As and a B in my olevel... and currently i am in AS taking maths physics and chem... i need to know about the minimum grades i need to score here in alevels to study abroad... my first priority is to study in an overseas university and then in any pakistani university... my family cant afford much to pay for overseas so what about all that scholorship programs and fee to be paid after getting scholorships in overseas university...
thanks in advance... a proper guyidance will be greatly appreciated

Unknown said...

Hello! my query is that i have done my o`levels with 6 A`s and now i am stuck to choose between a`levels and inter.Unfortunately i don`t possess such a wealthy hand to afford being study abroad and looking at this post it made even worst for me to end up.Help please!!!

Unknown said...

iam doing alevel and after it i will go towards acca well i think for doing acca alevel is the best choice to be done am i right..??

Ozymandias said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I got 1A 1B 6c in o levels ...so these grades are gud enough to have admission in gud universities?

nancy john said...

Of course a good certification program should teach most or all of these topics, and it's common for schools to give an orientation before teaching starts.

TOEFL Listening Tips

Anonymous said...

please guide me i have done A1 and i got hell bad grades :( now anyone please tell me so shud i go for fsc or alevels repeat ??

Unknown said...

I got 3A's 3B's and 2C's in my o'levels exam. I want make sure that i get into a good engineering uni so decided to go for F.sc than A'levels. I appeared for two of my five o'levels exams in oct/nov for which the results will come out in jan/dec (for which i'm expecting an A and a C). Due to this i was unable to get enrolled for F.Sc pre engineering. My one year is already wasted. Can you please please please tell me if i should start studying f.sc or should i reappear in the previous o'level exams to score a merit! I really want to get into a recognised university (like air university). Please reply to this as i have no idea what to do.

Anonymous said...

Hey are scholorships available abroad after alevels for medical??

Ozymandias said...

Fsc and matric programs currently propagate closeted minds with the ability to rote learn entire books without having understood anything. Medical Colleges in Pakistan give 5 to 10 percent weightage to Olevels. That means one bad grade in Olevels will account for 0.5 to 1 percent of your admission. Alevels is given 40 percent weightage. The rest is for MCAT, Entry tests, English Language fluency, Extracurriculars etc, Alevels is a far better option if you are unsure about medicine or engineering and want to keep your options open rather than going directly into a career path at the young and easily impressionable age of 15 or 16. It is recommended to all teenagers and individuals of slight or more intelligence to get their facts straight before wasting a year or more of their lives.

the girl with the many braids. said...

does your merit position determine your admission? because i got 13 merit position in nust and was granted provisional admission but now i am confused cause i got like 3 C's in a levels and i am not sure if my equivalence will be 60%.
will i still be given admission or not? the merit criteria says 25% weightage is on olevel equivalence for alevel candidates in their last year but thats still confusing because the eligability for nust is atleast 60% in alevels.

ahmad naeem bhatti said...

**STUDY ABROAD**
***IELTS//WITH OUT IELTS CAN APPLY***
PAY AFTER VISA
Italy, Austria, Australia, Germany, Turkey,
Dubai, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, Norway,
European Cyprus, Finland, Newzeland,
Pay after visa 0311-5191387 for more information send your document
**ahmadnaeembhatti1971@gmail.com**skypee ahmad.naeembhatti
Welcome to national institute Pakistan's leading immigration and study abroad consultancy. We established in 2002 with mission to facilitate from Pakistan people, interested to immigrate or studies in Australia, Canada, UK & Europe. From the beginning of its establishment till today, the company has been pioneering new concepts to stand above its competitors by bridging the gap between people and their bright future. We excel in the art of handling applications of all types of visas including all kind immigration categories i.e. study abroad, skilled, entrepreneur, investor, family sponsorship, settlements and visits







**STUDY ABROAD**
***IELTS//WITH OUT IELTS CAN APPLY***
PAY AFTER VISA
Italy, Austria, Australia, Germany, Turkey,
Dubai, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, Norway,
European Cyprus, Finland, Newzeland,
Pay after visa 0311-5191387 for more information send your document
**ahmadnaeembhatti1971@gmail.com**skypee ahmad.naeembhatti
Welcome to national institute Pakistan's leading immigration and study abroad consultancy. We established in 2002 with mission to facilitate from Pakistan people, interested to immigrate or studies in Australia, Canada, UK & Europe. From the beginning of its establishment till today, the company has been pioneering new concepts to stand above its competitors by bridging the gap between people and their bright future. We excel in the art of handling applications of all types of visas including all kind immigration categories i.e. study abroad, skilled, entrepreneur, investor, family sponsorship, settlements and visits







Unknown said...

Awesome discussion...

Unknown said...

Hi im rimsha . Im doing Alvls right now .Im in A2 sciences with chem bio and phys subject and i wanna go in medical. as i couldnt appear for AS exams as our school was not ready for tht as im in A lvls first badge of our school. I got A* in isl and A's in urdu and pakstudies B's in chem and bio, C in phys and maths. i wanna ask that what would be the minimum grades require in my Alvls for getting admission in a good medical university of pakistan bcz i can't go for university to abroad.

Unknown said...

Hi im rimsha . Im doing Alvls right now .Im in A2 sciences with chem bio and phys subject and i wanna go in medical. as i couldnt appear for AS exams as our school was not ready for tht as im in A lvls first badge of our school. I got A* in isl and A's in urdu and pakstudies B's in chem and bio, C in phys and maths. i wanna ask that what would be the minimum grades require in my Alvls for getting admission in a good medical university of pakistan bcz i can't go for university to abroad.

Unknown said...

hi, im doing a levels right now my subjects are phy chem bio and i did o lvls with all sciences subjects and i got A* in islamiat A in urdu A in pak studies B in bio and chem , but unfortunately i got C in phy and maths . i wanna go in medical uni so can u guide me please that what should be my minimum grades in a lvls and can i get in admission in good medical university . i did my Olvls and doing alvls frm beaconhouse

Anonymous said...

does aga khan university prefer a levels student or fsc students?
what should I do a levels or fsc to get admission in aga khan uni ? I have done m o levels from roots . I got 1A* 5A's and 2B's .. it would eb a great great help and I will be very grateful.. please help me out what should I do now?

Anonymous said...

please help me out what should I do.. in coming years what would be prefer a levels or fsc?
to get admission in aku what I should do a levels ya fsc .. plz reply :(

Tahoor said...

Im doing a levels with bio chem and phy I want to do mbbs with scholarship can any body tell me what is the best college for me where i can get scholarship

talzzz,.. said...

can anyone make a brief list for me of universities in pakistan which give full credits to A Level Urdu Language? has anyone got any knowledge about this?

Unknown said...

i am in olevel right now can you please help me out. i want to do mbbs so what will be better for me..to go for intet or a levels?

Unknown said...

inter* or alevels?

SCP Traininigs said...

guyz i need help i am doing inter in karachi but i didnt get the marks i dont want to give intermediate exam again plz help me and contact me on mohsinrauf27@gmail.com

nancy john said...

TOEFL is a language test generally taken by those students who want to take admission in any foreign universities. The test score works as a proof of their language proficiency and knowledge.

TOEFL Exam Centre

obnoxious said...

I want to ask going for a medical fied is fsc better or alevels..... what is the wrightage of alevels , olevels and entry test for a medical test?????? If I opt extra subject in alevel is that good??? Just to better the equilance

Unknown said...

what should we choose after doing O Levels, i am just to complete O Levels in Pakistan. and, planning to do rest of study abroad so, what should i select there A Levels or not?

Unknown said...

Good discussion Guys...

nancy john said...


Great Blog! I am preparing for IELTS preparation & looking forward to get admitted to USA top university. I really enjoyed your blog and definitely share with friend. Thanks

request for IELTS Result rechecking

anjalimehtus said...


do you want to study in abroad today or in the next intake. overseas education consultants in hyderabad for usa we are the best and top rated study abroad consultancies in india with good visa assurance.we help you in filing the f1 visa for you in very less time. overseas education consultants in ameerpet we are also help you with information needed to apply for the college university.

Anonymous said...

This is very helpful post for students thanks for your corporation

IELTS Academic Question

Tayyba said...

after studying sciences in O levels , can one opt for accounting and finance in A levels?

Unknown said...

Did you get your admission in nust?

Unknown said...

@Madiha Munawar plz tell me i am stuck in deciding A levels or Fsc. I took admission in fsc coaching classes and right now i am feeling it a hell lot difficult especially science subjects. What if I do A levels and give a shot for the SATS test in NUST.

Umika said...

I read this post fully concerning the difference of latest and former stuff, it is awesome article.



Study BE in Europe

Unknown said...

Hey there! Am also facing the EXACT same problem! My parents want me to opt for Fsc after O levels for medical.. but am crazy about A levels.. After A levels is there any possibility to get admission in Gov Uni for mbbs?

Unknown said...

Hello...i am currently studying 7th grade in roots. My parents want me to do metric but i prefer o levels. I have done a lot of research and have come up with the conclusion that metric is a complete ratta system. i am also a overseas student so i have a bit of problem in urdu. i want to study in architecture engineering in uet after doing my o-a levels. i get good grades which is why i think that i can get admission in uet after my o-a levels. however, i am still very confused as to if i should do metric or o levels to get admission in good engineering universities of pakistan. please help

Unknown said...

Hello...i am currently studying 7th grade in roots. My parents want me to do metric but i prefer o levels. I have done a lot of research and have come up with the conclusion that metric is a complete ratta system. i am also a overseas student so i have a bit of problem in urdu. i want to study in architecture engineering in uet after doing my o-a levels. i get good grades which is why i think that i can get admission in uet after my o-a levels. however, i am still very confused as to if i should do metric or o levels to get admission in good engineering universities of pakistan. please help

Unknown said...

Hello...i am currently studying 7th grade in roots. My parents want me to do metric but i prefer o levels. I have done a lot of research and have come up with the conclusion that metric is a complete ratta system. i am also a overseas student so i have a bit of problem in urdu. i want to study in architecture engineering in uet after doing my o-a levels. i get good grades which is why i think that i can get admission in uet after my o-a levels. however, i am still very confused as to if i should do metric or o levels to get admission in good engineering universities of pakistan. please help

Unknown said...

Hello...i am currently studying 7th grade in roots. My parents want me to do metric but i prefer o levels. I have done a lot of research and have come up with the conclusion that metric is a complete ratta system. i am also a overseas student so i have a bit of problem in urdu. i want to study in architecture engineering in uet after doing my o-a levels. i get good grades which is why i think that i can get admission in uet after my o-a levels. however, i am still very confused as to if i should do metric or o levels to get admission in good engineering universities of pakistan. please help

Umair n Zohaib Productions said...

sir ,can I get your WhatsApp number? I need some guidance regarding choosing fsc or alevels? please sir!

Unknown said...

Hi , so I just did AS level and I did 3 subjects phy che and bio . Unfortunately in phy I scored a D so is it possible I drop it in A2 but take it in SAT2 . Plus I dont think my school will let me continue physics . And I've heard SAT2 makes up for your A level grades ,So plz I need some guidance here

Unknown said...

Greetings,

My son is doing O level in Saudi Arabia , but some of International school did not have option for Pak Studies, is pak Studies subject is manadetry for him to choose , can he face any problems after returning to Pakistan after O level.

Olivia Wilson said...

My son is in fifth grade and will be taking the PARCC exam. I recommend that he use the Practice Test Geeks website to study PARCC practice test grade 5 since I am confident that this preparation examination would assist him in doing well on the main exam.

Unknown said...

How to get into a government medical college after a levels?

reena said...

This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information...
blog comments

Post a Comment