ISLAMABAD(National times)- Effective from the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) 1st Annual Examination 2026, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) Forum, in its 183rd meeting, allowed students passing their Matriculation (SSC) in the Arts Group, eligible to register in F.Sc – Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering Groups. This initiative has been taken to facilitate those Martic arts group students who were seeking admission in the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) – Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering Groups. According to the notification issued on dated 12th December, the IBCC Forum in its 183rd meeting held on 4–5 December, 2025 has been taken this decision, following the recommendations of the Sub-Committee and feedback received from key regulatory bodies including Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Curriculum Council (NCC) and Provincial Curriculum Authorities. “The IBCC Forum, in its 183rd meeting held on 4–5 December 2025, has unanimously resolved that the students who have passed the SSC (Arts Group) may be allowed to register for HSSC (Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering Groups), effective from the SSC 1st Annual Examination 2026 onwards,” the notification said. The Forum further recommended that concerned institutions may adopt appropriate measures, such as setting minimum marks or merit criteria, and conducting placement or aptitude tests to ensure uniform standards across all boards. However, it clarified that the final implementation decision would rest with the respective boards, subject to approval from their Boards of Governors (BoGs) and other competent authorities, where applicable. The IBCC has notified the resolution for compliance by all Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) and Boards of Technical Education (BTEs) across the country.