Cambridge IGCSE uses two grading scales: the traditional A star to G letters and the newer 9 to 1 numbers. IBCC converts each to percentage marks using a different table, so the scale on your certificate changes your calculation.
The two scales do not map cleanly onto each other. IBCC converts A star to G and 9 to 1 grades separately. For example, an old C converts to 65 marks, while a numeric Grade 4 converts to 60. Your SSC equivalence uses your best eight subjects scaled to 1050 marks.
This guide covers both official conversion tables, why the two scales differ, how IBCC calculates your SSC percentage, a worked example, and the documents you need to apply.
What Are the Two IGCSE Grading Scales?
Cambridge reports IGCSE results on one of two scales, depending on the syllabus code your school registered under. Both cover identical content.
The traditional scale runs from A star at the top down to G, then U for ungraded. It is used with syllabus codes starting with 05, such as Mathematics 0580.
The numeric scale runs from 9 at the top down to 1, then U. It is used with codes starting with 09, such as Mathematics 0980. Grade 9 is higher than the old A star.
The two scales are not identical mirror images. The 9 to 1 scale was designed to spread the top grades further, so 9, 8, and 7 roughly cover the old A star and A range. The full code list sits in the IGCSE subject codes guide.
What Is the IBCC Conversion Table for A Star to G?
For the traditional letter scale, IBCC assigns a fixed mark out of 100 to each grade. These are the figures used for equivalence.
| IGCSE Letter Grade | IBCC Marks out of 100 |
|---|---|
| A star | More than 90 |
| A | 85 |
| B | 75 |
| C | 65 |
| D | 55 |
| E | 45 |
| U (Ungraded) | Not counted, this is a fail |
This is the same table IBCC uses for Cambridge O Level, since IGCSE and O Level are treated identically. A star is set per subject each session and is worth more than 90, not exactly 90.
What Is the IBCC Conversion Table for 9 to 1?
For the numeric scale, IBCC uses a separate mapping. This is where students go wrong by assuming 9 equals A star and 8 equals A.
| IGCSE Numeric Grade | IBCC Marks out of 100 |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | More than 90 |
| Grade 8 | 87 |
| Grade 7 | 82 |
| Grade 6 | 77 |
| Grade 5 | 70 |
| Grade 4 | 60 |
| Grade 3 | 50 |
| Grade 2 | 40 |
Compare the two tables at the pass boundary. An old C converts to 65 marks, but a numeric Grade 4, the equivalent pass, converts to 60. The scales genuinely differ, so use the table that matches your certificate.
Always confirm the current figures on the official IBCC portal, since equivalence policy can change without much publicity. Treat these tables as accurate planning figures, not the final word.
Unsure which scale your IGCSE certificate uses or what it converts to? Thinkerzz checks your grades against the correct IBCC table and confirms your equivalence percentage, live and 1 to 1.
Chat on WhatsAppHow Does IBCC Calculate Your SSC Percentage?
IBCC does not just average your grades. It converts each grade to marks, totals your best eight subjects, then scales that total to the SSC system.
- Convert each subject grade to IBCC marks using the correct scale table.
- Total the marks for your best eight subjects, giving a figure out of 800.
- Scale that total to 1050 marks, since SSC (Matriculation) is out of 1050.
- Express the scaled result as a percentage for your equivalence certificate.
The best-eight rule matters. IBCC counts your eight strongest eligible subjects, including the compulsory ones. Extra subjects beyond eight do not raise your total.
A Worked Example
Take a student with eight letter grades: A star, A star, A, A, B, B, B, C. The marks are 90, 90, 85, 85, 75, 75, 75, and 65.
The total is 640 out of 800. Scaled to 1050, that is 640 multiplied by 1050, divided by 800, which equals 840 out of 1050. That is 80 percent equivalence.
The full method, including the science group rules and how to apply, is covered in the O Level and IGCSE grading equivalence guide with an interactive calculator.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Applications go through the IBCC portal at equivalence.ibcc.edu.pk. Prepare these before you start to avoid delays.
- Original IGCSE certificates or statement of results from Cambridge or Edexcel.
- Two sets of attested back-to-back photocopies of your certificates.
- Transcripts and mark sheets showing your grades.
- A copy of your CNIC, Smart Card, or B-Form.
- Passport and visa copies if any qualification was taken abroad.
A statement of results is valid for six months only. After that, IBCC requires the original certificate. Downloaded results are not accepted, and sessions older than five years need British Council verification first.
Apply as soon as your results arrive. The IGCSE recognition in Pakistan guide covers the subject requirements you must meet for equivalence.
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Chat on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
What Percentage Is Grade 9 in IGCSE for IBCC?
IBCC converts a numeric Grade 9 to more than 90 marks out of 100, the same top band as an A star on the letter scale. The exact figure is set per subject each session.
Is Grade 8 the Same as an A Star?
Not exactly. Grade 8 converts to around 87 marks, while A star converts to more than 90. The 9 to 1 scale spreads the top grades differently, so they do not map one to one.
What Is the Passing Grade on the 9 to 1 Scale?
Grade 4 is the standard pass, equivalent to the old grade C. It converts to 60 marks for IBCC, while the old C converts to 65 on the letter scale.
Why Do the Two Scales Convert Differently?
The 9 to 1 scale was designed to spread the top grades further, adding more distinction at the top. IBCC therefore maps each scale with its own table rather than treating them as identical.
Which Scale Will My Certificate Use?
It depends on the syllabus code your school registered under. Codes starting with 05 use A star to G, and codes starting with 09 use 9 to 1. Both are accepted by IBCC.
How Many Subjects Does IBCC Count?
Your best eight eligible subjects, including the compulsory ones. Extra subjects beyond eight do not raise your total, though they can replace a weaker subject in the best eight.
What Is IGCSE Equivalence Scaled Out Of?
IGCSE gives SSC equivalence scaled to 1050 marks, matching Pakistani Matriculation. Your eight-subject total out of 800 is scaled proportionally to this figure.
Do IGCSE and O Level Convert the Same Way?
Yes. IBCC treats Cambridge IGCSE and O Level identically, using the same letter-grade conversion table and the same subject requirements for equivalence.
Can I Mix 9 to 1 and A Star to G Subjects?
Yes. If some subjects are graded numerically and others by letter, IBCC converts each using its matching table, then combines the marks for your total.
How Long Is My Statement of Results Valid?
Six months. After that, IBCC requires the original certificate. Downloaded results are not accepted, so keep your official documents safe.
What If My Session Is More Than Five Years Old?
Sessions older than five years must be verified by the British Council before IBCC processes them. This adds several weeks, so plan ahead if using older results.
Where Do I Apply for IGCSE Equivalence?
Through the IBCC portal at equivalence.ibcc.edu.pk, either online or by courier. Apply as soon as your results are released to meet university deadlines.
