[go: nahoru, domu]
Jump to content

Education in Pakistan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Drustaz (talk | contribs) at 10:48, 27 July 2010. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Education in Pakistan
Federal Ministry of Education
Provincial Education Ministries
National education budget (2007)
BudgetRs.9556.442 million (2.2% of the GDP) [1]
General details
Primary languagesUrdu and English.
System typeMainly public
Literacy (2008)
Total56.2[1]
Male68.2[1]
Female43.6[1]
Primary87.3%[2]
Secondary44%[2]
Post secondary4.7%[3]

Education in Pakistan is divided into five levels: primary (grades one through five); middle (grades six through eight); high (grades nine and ten, leading to the Secondary School Certificate); intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a Higher Secondary School Certificate); and university programs leading to graduate and advanced degrees.[4]

All academic education institutions are the responsibility of the provincial governments. The federal government mostly assists in curriculum development, accreditation and some financing of research.

The literacy rate ranges from 72.38% in Islamabad to 10.37% in the Musakhel District.[5] Between 2000—2004, Pakistanis in the age group 55–64 had a literacy rate of almost 30%, those aged between 45–54 had a literacy rate of nearly 40%, those between 25–34 had a literacy rate of 50%, and those aged 15–24 had a literacy rate of more than 60%.[6] These data indicate that, with every passing generation, the literacy rate in Pakistan has risen by around 10%. Literacy rates vary regionally, particularly by sex. In tribal areas female literacy was 3%.[7]

Pakistan has public and private educational institutions. There are private primary, secondary and higher educational institutions in Pakistan. The private schools charge fees and in many cases provide better education to its students.

Primary education

Only 63% of Pakistani children finish primary school education.[8] Furthermore, 68% of Pakistani boys and 72% of Pakistani girls reach grade 5.[9]

The standard national system of education is mainly inspired from the British system. Pre-school education is designed for 3-5 years old and usually comprises of three stages: Play Group, Nursery and Kindergarten (also called 'KG' or 'Prep'). After pre-school education, students go through junior school from grades 1 to 4. This is proceeded by middle school from grades 5 to 8. At middle school, single-sex education is usually preferred by the community but co-education is also common in urban cities. The curriculum is usually subject to the institution. The eight common disciplines are Urdu, English, mathematics, science, arts, social studies, Islamiyat and sometimes computer studies.

Secondary education

Secondary education in Pakistan begins from grade 9 and lasts for four years. Upon completion of grade 10, students are expected to take a standardised test administered by a regional Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (or BISE). Upon successful completion of this examination, they are awarded a Secondary School Certificate (or SSC). This locally termed as 'matriculation certificate' or 'matric' for short. Students then enter a college and complete grades 11 and 12. Upon completion of grade 12, they again take a standardised test which is also administered by the regional boards. Upon successful completion of this test, students are awarded the Higher Secondary (School) Certificate (or HSC). This level of education is also called the F.Sc./F.A. or 'intermediate'. There are many streams students can choose for their 11 and 12 grades, such as pre-medical, pre-engineering, humanities (or social sciences) and commerce. Some technical streams have recently been introduced for grades 11 and 12.

Alternative qualifications in Pakistan are also available but not maintained by the BISE but by other examination boards. Most common alternative is the General Certificate of Education (or GCE), where SSC and HSC are replaced by Ordinary Level (or O Level) and Advanced Level (or A Level) respectively. Other qualifications include IGCSE which replaces SSC. GCE O Level, IGCSE and GCE AS/A Level are managed by British examination boards of CIE of the Cambridge Assessment and Edexcel of the Pearson PLC. Advanced Placement (or AP) is an alternative option but much less common than GCE or IGCSE. This replaces the secondary school education as 'High School Education' instead. AP exams are monitored by a North American examination board, College Board and can only be given under supervision of centers which are registered with the College Board, unlike GCE O/AS/A Level and IGCSE which can also be given privately.

Post-secondary

In 2003-04, only 2.9% of Pakistanis were enrolled in higher education,[10] but this increased to 4.0% in 2008 (5.1% for males & 2.8% for females)[11] and to 4.7% in 2009.[3] Pakistan plans to increase this figure to 10% by 2015 and subsequently to 15% by 2020.[3]

Students can attend a college or university for Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Commerce/Business Administration (BCom/BBA) degree courses. There are two types of Bachelor courses in Pakistan: Pass or Honours. Pass requires two years of study and students normally read three optional subjects (such as Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics) in addition to almost equal number of compulsory subjects (such as English, Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies). Honours courses require three or four years of study, and students normally specialize in a chosen field of study, such as Biochemistry (BSc Hons. Biochemistry). It is important to note that Pass Bachelors is now slowly being phased out for Honours throughout the country.

After earning their Higher Secondary (School) Certificate (HSC), students may study for professional Bachelor's degree courses such as engineering (B Engg), medicine (MBBS), dentistry (BDS), veterinary medicine(DVM), law (LLB), architecture (B Arch) and nursing (B Nurs). These courses require four or five years of study, depending upon the degree. To earn a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree, students must first earn a Diploma of Associate Engineer (a 3-year course), then attend a Bachelor of Technology program for four years.

Some Master's degree programs require one and a half years of study. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) education is also available in selected areas. Students pursuing PhD degrees must choose a specific field and a university that is doing research work in that field. PhD education in Pakistan requires at least 3–5 years of study.

Pakistani universities churn out almost 1.2 million skilled graduates annually.[citation needed] The government has announced a $1 billion spending plan over the next decade to build 6 state-of-the-art science and engineering universities. The scheme would be overseen by the Higher Education Commission.[citation needed]

Gender Disparity

Among other criticisms the Pakistani education system faces is the gender disparity in enrollment levels. However, in recent years some progress has been made in trying to fix this problem. In 1990-91, the female to male ratio (F/M ratio) of enrollment was 0.47 for primary level of education. It reached to 0.74 in 1999-2000, showing the F/M ratio has improved by 57.44% within the decade. For the middle level of education it was 0.42 in the start of decade and increased to 0.68 by the end of decade, so it has improved almost 62%. In both cases the gender disparity is decreased but relatively more rapidly at middle level.[12]

The gender disparity in enrollment at secondary level of education was 0.4 in 1990-91 and 0.67 in 1999-2000, showing that the disparity decreased by 67.5% in the decade. At the college level it was 0.50 in 1990-91 and reached 0.81 in 1999-2000, showing that the disparity decreased by 64%. The gender disparity has decreased comparatively rapidly at secondary school.[12]

However, the gender disparity is affected by the Taliban enforcement of a complete ban on female education in the Swat district, as reported in a January 21, 2009 issue of the Pakistan daily newspaper The News. Some 400 private schools enrolling 40,000 girls have been shut down. At least 10 girls' schools that tried to open after the January 15, 2009 deadline by the Taliban were blown up by the militants in the town of Mingora, the headquarters of the Swat district.[13] "More than 170 schools have been bombed or torched, along with other government-owned buildings."[13]

Spending on Education

As a percentage of GDP, Pakistan spends only 2.9% of it on Education.[14] However, the government recently approved the new national education policy, which would result in education being allocated 7% of the GDP.[3] An idea, first suggested by the Punjab government.[15] The government plans to raise the literacy rate to 85% by 2015.[3] In accordance with the target set by the Millennium Development Goals for Pakistan.

Universities in the World Top 1000

During 1947-2003, not a single university in Pakistan could be ranked among the top 600 of the world, but today five Pakistani universities belong to this prestigious group, with the National University of Science and Technology at No 350 (Times, Higher Education, UK rankings)[16] In the field of Natural Sciences, the progress is even more remarkable, with the University of Karachi ranked at 223, National University of Science and Technology ranked at 260 and Quaid-e-Azam University ranked at 270.

Statistics

Literacy Since 1947

Literacy Rate - Pakistan, Sources:[11][17]

Definition:[17]

File:Islamia College University Peshawar gallerypic 8.jpg
Islamia College University Peshawar
File:Aitchisoncollegelahore.jpg
Aitchson College, Lahore

a) 1951 Census: One who can read a clear print in any language. 16.4%

b) 1961 Census: One who is able to read with understanding a simple letter in any language. 16.3%

c) 1972 Census: One who is able to read and write in some language with understanding. 21.7%

d) 1981 Census: One who can read newspaper and write a simple letter 26.2%

e) 1998 Census: One who can read a newspaper and write a simple letter, in any language. 43.9%

The present (2008) projected literacy rate for Pakistan is 56% (male 69% : female 44%)[18]

Literacy by Province (1972 to Present)

1972

Province Literacy Rate
Punjab 20.7%
Sindh 30.2%
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 15.5%
Balochistan 10.1%

1981

Province Literacy Rate
Punjab 27.4%
Sindh 31.5%
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 16.7%
Balochistan 10.3%

1998

Province Literacy Rate
Punjab 46.56%
Sindh 45.29%
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 35.41%
Balochistan 26.6%

2008

Province Literacy Rate
Punjab 60.2%[1]
Sindh 57.7%[1]
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 49.9%[1]
Balochistan 48.8%[1]

Azad Kashmir had a literacy rate of 62% back in 2004. Higher than any other region in Pakistan. Out of 62% about 55.47% were people at the age of 10 or a little above of it, 70.52% were male and 40.46% were female.[19] However, only 2.2% were graduates compared to the average of 2.9% for the whole of Pakistan in 2004.[20]

School attendance

Population aged 10 & over that has ever attended school, highest and lowest figures by region. Islamabad has the highest rate in the country at 85%, whilst Jhal Magsi has the lowest rate at 20%.

Region Highest Lowest
Punjab Rawalpindi (77%) Muzaffargarh & Rajanpur (40%)
Sindh Karachi (78%) Jacobabad (34%)
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abbottabad (67%) Upper Dir (34%)
Balochistan Quetta (64%) Jhal Magsi (20%)

Source:[21] Template:List of Pakistani districts by literacy

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Federal Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan".
  2. ^ a b "Ministry of Education, Pakistan".
  3. ^ a b c d e "www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/13+cabinet+approves+education+policy+2009-za-08".
  4. ^ Peter Blood, ed. (1994). "Pakistan - EDUCATION". Pakistan: A Country Study. GPO for the Library of Congress. Retrieved 1 April 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ "Ranking of districts by literacy rates and illiterates (By 10+ and 15+ Years Age Groups)".
  6. ^ http://www.unesco.org/education/GMR2006/full/chapt7_eng.pdf - Figure 7.7:
  7. ^ Kristof, Nicholas D. (14 May 2010). "Op-Ed:Pakistan and Times Square". San Diego, California: San Diego Union-Tribune. pp. B6.
  8. ^ "seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009670134_pakistanschool16.html".
  9. ^ "www.unfpa.org/swp/2009/en/pdf/EN_SOWP09_ICPD.pdf" (PDF).
  10. ^ "www.shailaja.net/pakistan%20reforms%20story.htm".
  11. ^ a b "www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/publications/lfs2007_08/results.pdf" (PDF).
  12. ^ a b Khan, Tasnim (2004). "Gender Disparity in Education - Extents, Trends and Factors" (pdf). Journal of Research (Faculty of Languages & Islamic Studies). Retrieved 2009-03-08. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b The News, Pakistan, January 21, 2009.
  14. ^ "www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ix9BXdyO9AsnPc0-hNjsV3JTQ50gD9BQQ3KG0".
  15. ^ "www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Lahore/06-Sep-2009/Punjab-govt-suggests-200pc-increase-in-edu-budget".
  16. ^ "The golden period By Prof Dr Wolfgang Voelter".
  17. ^ a b "unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001459/145959e.pdf" (PDF).
  18. ^ "www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/18-literacy-day-today-education-not-on-govts-priority-list-am-03".
  19. ^ Literacy Rate in Azad Kashmir nearly 62 pc.
  20. ^ http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_17-4-2005_pg7_37 - 7th Paragraph.
  21. ^ "www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/statistics/pslm0405_district/education.pdf" (PDF).

Further reading

  • K.K. Aziz. (2004) The Murder of History : A Critique of History Textbooks used in Pakistan. Vanguard. ISBN 969-402-126-X
  • Nayyar, A. H. & Salim, Ahmad. (2003) The Subtle Subversion: The State of Curricula and Text-books in Pakistan - Urdu, English, Social Studies and Civics. Sustainable Development Policy Institute. The Subtle Subversion
  • Pervez Hoodbhoy and A. H. Nayyar. Rewriting the history of Pakistan, in Islam, Politics and the state: The Pakistan Experience, Ed. Mohammad Asghar Khan, Zed Books, London, 1985.
  • Mubarak Ali. In the Shadow of history, Nigarshat, Lahore; History on Trial, Fiction House, Lahore, 1999; Tareekh Aur Nisabi Kutub, Fiction House, Lahore, 2003.
  • Rubina Saigol. Knowledge and Identity - Articulation of Gender in Educational Discourse in Pakistan, ASR, Lahore 1995
  • Tariq Rahman, Denizens of Alien Worlds: A Study of Education, Inequality and Polarization in Pakistan Karachi, Oxford University Press, 2004. Reprint. 2006.
  • Tariq Rahman, Language, Ideology and Power: Language learning among the Muslims of Pakistan and North India Karachi, Oxford UP, 2002.
  • Tariq Rahman, Language and Politics in Pakistan Karachi: Oxford UP, 1996. Rept. several times. see 2006 edition.
  • World Bank Case Study on Primary Education in Pakistan

Template:Life in Pakistan Template:Science in Pakistan

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Education_in_Pakistan&oldid=375710905"