The Inter Boards Coordination Commission has launched IBCC registration for international awarding bodies to bring foreign examination boards in Pakistan under a single regulatory framework and ensure consistent standards across the country.
Mandated by the IBCC Act XIII of 2023, the IBCC Regulatory Framework sets out a transparent approach to quality assurance and operational standardization. Applicant organisations were evaluated against fifteen quality and governance standards covering institutional governance, assessment integrity, quality assurance mechanisms, regulatory compliance and operational transparency to secure registration.
Applications were reviewed through the prescribed process and examined by the IBCC Regulatory Committee after detailed scrutiny of documentation and fulfilment of all requirements. Following committee recommendations, several international Qualification Awarding Bodies have been registered with IBCC, including Pearson Education Limited, Oxford International AQA Examinations Limited, Learning Resource Network (LRN), City & Guilds of London Institute, London Assessment Board Limited and the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Other prominent awarding bodies have submitted applications and remain under assessment, among them Cambridge International Education, General Educational Development (GED), NCC Education Limited and Sawyer Scholastics & Academy, with their cases to be placed before the Regulatory Committee once assessments are complete.
Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director IBCC, said, “IBCC registration is intended to facilitate foreign examination boards as partners in promoting quality education rather than mere commercial operators.” He stressed that the framework aims to ensure international qualifications offered in Pakistan meet global standards while contributing positively to the development of the national education system.
Dr Mallah added that IBCC is engaging accreditation bodies in the United Kingdom to address recognition issues so Pakistani students are not required to spend an additional foundation year at UK universities. He noted that an initial review report has been received and IBCC is preparing a response and compiling required documentation.
The registration drive is also accompanied by internal reforms, with IBCC integrating modern technology and examination reforms to shift Pakistan’s assessment culture from rote learning to conceptual and competency based approaches. Through robust IBCC registration and oversight, the commission aims to strengthen academic integrity and align international qualifications with Pakistan’s educational objectives.
