Massive Gap in NED University Entry Test Results: Cambridge & Federal Boards Outperform Sindh Boards
NED University of Engineering and Technology, one of the most prestigious institutions in Sindh, recently released the results of its entrance exam for 2025. The data reveals a concerning disparity in student performance, with a sharp contrast between candidates from Cambridge International, Federal, and local Sindh education boards.
Cambridge Students Shine with Highest Pass Percentage
Cambridge International students once again demonstrated academic strength, achieving a remarkable 89% pass rate in the NED entry test. Out of 483 candidates, 455 successfully cleared the test, leaving only 28 students who did not meet the minimum criteria. This stellar performance reinforces the global reputation of Cambridge education and its ability to prepare students for competitive academic environments.
Federal and Karachi Boards Follow Behind
The Federal Board secured the second-highest success rate. Out of 257 students who appeared, 78.5% managed to pass the test—202 students in total. Meanwhile, the Karachi Board stood at third place, with 4,564 out of 5,951 candidates clearing the exam. Despite being part of the Sindh educational system, Karachi Board students achieved a relatively strong 76.69% pass rate, showcasing the educational edge found in the province’s urban centers.
Interior Sindh Boards Show Alarmingly Low Success Rates
In stark contrast, students from interior Sindh boards performed poorly, despite many having A1 grades in their intermediate exams. A large portion failed to meet the 50% passing threshold required by NED University, raising serious questions about the quality and standards of education in rural Sindh.
Here’s a breakdown of the failure rates for various Sindh boards:
-
Hyderabad Board: 764 students appeared, 406 failed – 53.3% failure rate
-
Larkana Board: 322 students, 219 failed – 68.1% failure rate
-
Mirpurkhas Board: 522 students, 308 failed – 59.1% failure rate
-
Nawabshah Board: 261 students, 144 failed – 55.2% failure rate
-
Sukkur Board: 266 students, 176 failed – 66.2% failure rate
These figures point to a serious educational divide between urban and rural areas in Sindh.
Overall Exam Statistics: A Mixed Picture
In total, 9,388 students appeared for the first phase of the NED entry test. Out of these:
-
6,398 students passed
-
2,990 students failed
-
Overall pass percentage: 68.1%
While the overall results may seem satisfactory at first glance, the deep disparities between different boards present a troubling trend. The high failure rates from interior Sindh indicate systemic flaws in the academic preparation provided by local institutions.
Top Grades, Low Performance: What’s Going Wrong?
A particularly disturbing aspect of the results is that even students who achieved A1 grades in intermediate exams from Sindh boards failed to meet the passing mark in the NED entry test. This suggests a mismatch between grading practices and actual competency, pointing toward potential grade inflation or weaknesses in curriculum and assessment standards at the provincial level.
Why the Gap Exists: Key Factors
Several reasons can explain the stark performance gap:
-
Curriculum Differences: Cambridge and Federal Boards often follow more rigorous and concept-based syllabi, while many Sindh board syllabi focus on rote learning.
-
Teaching Quality: Access to trained faculty and resources is much better in urban centers like Karachi than in interior districts.
-
Examination Standards: Internal assessments and board exams in Sindh may not align well with competitive university entrance tests.
-
Educational Infrastructure: Schools in rural Sindh often lack laboratories, libraries, and digital learning tools essential for STEM education.
Need for Educational Reforms in Sindh
The recent entrance test results from NED University serve as a wake-up call for educational policymakers in Sindh. Immediate reforms are needed to:
-
Standardize curricula across all boards
-
Improve teacher training and accountability
-
Introduce conceptual learning methods
-
Strengthen the examination system to reflect true merit
Without these changes, students from interior Sindh will continue to face disadvantages, even if they secure top grades in board exams.
