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Attendance

A distinguishing feature of the IBA is its stringent adherence to the academic calendar. Students are required to attend lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars and fieldwork specified for every course in a semester.

The course instructor takes attendance in each class. If a student accumulates more than the permissible absences, they should withdraw from that course. Students found tampering with attendance records in any way will immediately be expelled from the Institute. The permissible number of absences for students will include the participation of the IBA students in conferences/seminars/events, sports at the national/international level, an exchange program, religious activities (pilgrimage, etc.) and add-drop week.

Permissible absences per semester are mentioned in the following table:

Please note that no attendance will be transferred from one course to the other. Transfer of attendance will only be allowed across sections of the same course for the first week of the semester. Attendance of classes on the first and last day of the semester is mandatory for all students.

Withdrawal from a course

A student may withdraw from courses if such withdrawal helps the student in improving their performance in the remaining courses. Withdrawal from a course is not treated as failure and it does not impact on the GPA. A “W” grade would be indicated on the transcript for a withdrawn course. If a student has accumulated more than the permissible absences in any course, they must withdraw from that course. Students are allowed to withdraw from some or all the courses for which they have registered in a semester. Withdrawals from courses can be requested by submission of the course withdrawal form (obtainable from Program Office or downloadable from the IBA portal) to the respective Program Office 1 day before the commencement of the final examinations.

Semester freeze

A semester freeze (or break) is a semester in which a student is not registered for any course due to personal reasons. Any student availing one or more semester freeze must complete the degree requirements before the stipulated time bar for the program in which they are enrolled. Every student who wishes to avail a semester freeze must formally inform the Program Office about it at least one week before the commencement of the semester. If a semester freeze is required during a semester, then the application must be submitted to the Program Office at least one week before the commencement date of final exams for that semester. All courses are marked as withdrawn when a semester break is applicable if such a break was requested during the semester.

Transfer of Credit (Re-admission)

Further credit transfer stipulations

• IBA reserves the right to accept or reject any transfer candidate.
• When deemed appropriate, IBA may conduct subject Interview prior to admission.
• The academic committee shall recommend courses to be accepted for credit transfer subject to the approval of the academic board.
• Transfer of credits will be applicable to those courses with a minimum of B grade.
• A minimum of 50% of total degree credits must be completed at IBA.
• Courses transferred shall be indicated in the final transcript as being ‘transfer credit’.
• The grades of transfer credits will be included in the calculation of the CGPA and such students will be entitled to compete for positions/medals.
• The dropped-out students of any program, who get admission again by clearing the IBA admission test and other requirements, will get the credit of the courses in which they had obtained a minimum of B grade.

Transfer of Credit (Program Change)

For transferring credits from one IBA program to another, provided that the course code is the same, the course will automatically be accepted in the new program.

Time Bar Rule

Every student admitted to some program at the IBA must complete the academic requirements of that program in the stipulated time called enrolment period to be eligible for the award of a diploma/degree for the program. The enrolment periods are given below for reference:

An extension of enrolment may be requested from the Academic Board (AB). The AB would consider the request on a case-to-case basis and may grant an extension of 1 to 2 semesters. If the appeal is rejected by the AB, then the student shall be eligible for a transcript of credit for the coursework only. His/her name shall be dropped from the rolls of the IBA. Any student with an expiring enrolment period should approach the respective program director and submit a formal application with strong justification for an extension in enrolment. For coursework, the period shall be counted from the date of admission.

Grading and evaluation

Student performance is evaluated through a system of assessments spread over the entire period of their studies. Students are assessed through a series of short quizzes, class discussions, written assignments, research reports, presentations on different topics, and midterm and final exams. All these assessments contribute to the final grade. 60% of the final grade is based on the semester work including the midterm exam and the remaining 40% is on the semester final examination. However, the Institute reserves the right to modify these weights. Faculty members have the option of choosing either the absolute or relative grading scheme and may also decide the percentage for A, B, and C grades. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is computed as a weighted average of the grade points and credit hours for all the courses taken by the student at the end of every semester. Final grades in each course are converted to grade points according to the following absolute grading plan:

Grading Plan

Semester Calculation (Data Card):

Current Grading System

Previous Grading System (2000 and before)

CGPA Calculation

The initial CGPA of MS program students is calculated based on the first 3 courses taken by them

Make-up Examination

Students are expected to sit for all examinations on the dates and at the times published by IBA. A make-up examination is an exceptional academic accommodation and not an alternative or entitlement available at the student's discretion. It is intended only for circumstances that are sufficiently serious, unavoidable, and supported by appropriate documentary evidence.

This policy applies to all students enrolled in IBA academic programs and governs requests to make up midterm and final examinations that a student was unable to attend at the scheduled date and time. The policy distinguishes between midterm and final examinations because of their different academic and administrative contexts.

The policy does not cover academic accommodations relating to documented disabilities or accessibility needs, which shall be addressed through the University's applicable accommodation procedures.

General Principles

• Students are expected to plan their personal, professional, and other commitments around the published academic and examination schedules.
• Make-up examinations will only be considered where the circumstances are exceptional, genuine, and supported by appropriate documentary evidence.
• A request does not guarantee approval. Each request will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and supporting evidence.
• Students must follow the prescribed application procedure. Requests made directly to faculty members in case of make up final exam or through informal arrangements will not be considered.
• Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the prescribed deadline will be rejected.
• IBA reserves the right to verify the authenticity of submitted documents. Submission of false, altered, or misleading documents may result in disciplinary action under applicable IBA policies.

Make-Up Midterm Examination

The concerned faculty member must clearly specify in the course outline whether a make-up arrangement will be provided for a missed midterm examination. If the faculty member does not permit a make-up midterm, this must be clearly communicated in the course outline at the beginning of the semester.

Mode of Make-up Exam

Faculty members may choose to:

• conduct a make-up examination of comparable academic standard;
• provide an alternative assessment; or
• use another academically appropriate method of determining the student's performance.

The mode of the midterm make-up examination must be clearly specified in the course outline.

In no circumstances can the student be assigned the ‘class average’ or a grade based on the average performance of other students or the student’s own average performance in previous assignments, midterms, or other assessments.

Eligibility

Where a faculty member permits a make-up midterm examination in their course, the permissible grounds for granting the make-up examination shall be the same as those specified for a Final Exam Make-up under section of the Table of this policy.

Timing

Where a make-up midterm is approved by the faculty member, the make-up assessment must be completed within two weeks after the midterm break. The faculty member shall determine the date, format, and academic requirements of the make-up assessment and communicate to the student in timely manner.

The faculty member must inform the Examination Department if assistance is required in conducting the make-up assessment.

Make-Up Final Examination

A make-up final examination may be permitted only in exceptional and duly substantiated circumstances, subject to the requirements and approval process prescribed in this policy.

Permissible Grounds

This is to note that convenience, poor planning, personal travel, social engagements, weddings, employment-related commitments not covered under this policy, or failure to check the examination schedule will not be considered exceptional circumstances.

IBA may consider another circumstance only where the student demonstrates that it was exceptional, beyond the student's reasonable control, directly prevented attendance, and is supported by satisfactory documentary evidence.

Application and Timelines

Make-up Exam Fee

A mandatory make-up examination fee of Rs. 20,000 per course shall be payable by the student at the time of submitting the application. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the decision on the application.

Students must submit the application at https://ibaapps.iba.edu.pk/sfs

Pre-Planned / Foreseeable Activities

Students who know in advance that they will be unavailable due to an eligible pre-planned activity listed in Table, must submit an application on the system at least 10 calendar days before the commencement of the final examination period.

A make-up final examination will not be conducted before the scheduled final examination. Any approved make-up examination will be scheduled by IBA after the regular examination period.

Unforeseen Circumstances

For unforeseen circumstances, listed in Table, students or someone on their behalf must submit the application along with all required documentation to the system within 07 calendar days after the conclusion of the final examination period.

The application must include complete documentary evidence supporting the request. Submission of an application does not authorize the student to appear in a make-up examination unless formal approval has been communicated.

Failure to submit the application within the prescribed timeline will result in rejection unless the student can demonstrate a compelling reason for the delay.

Review and Decision

Applications for make-up final examinations shall be reviewed by the Student Success and Support Unit, AQE, in accordance with this policy.

The outcome may be:

• Approved: The student is permitted to take the make-up examination without deduction where the circumstances meet the defined eligibility criteria and are satisfactorily established.
• Approved with 25% deduction: The student is permitted to take the make-up examination where the circumstances provide sufficient grounds for an exception but do not fully meet the defined eligibility criteria. Twenty five percent (25%) of the marks obtained in the make-up examination shall be deducted.
• Rejected: The request does not meet the eligibility requirements, the evidence is insufficient or unverifiable, the application is incomplete, or the prescribed deadline has not been met.

The student shall be informed of the approval, rejection, or approval with a 25% deduction within three working days of the decision. The decision of the designated competent authority shall be final.

Conduct of Make-Up Examination

1. 1. The decision on a make-up examination will be communicated to the student, course faculty, UMS and examination department within three working days of receipt of the application.


2. 2. The make-up examination shall be scheduled and administered by the Examination Department and shall not be arranged individually between the student and the faculty member.


3. 3. The Examination Department shall conduct the make-up examination within two weeks of the later of:

3.1. The end of the examination period; or

3.2. The date on which the decision regarding the student’s request for a make-up examination is communicated to the student.

Where a student is unable to appear within this period due to a permissible ground, such as illness or Hajj travel, the examination shall be scheduled based on the student’s earliest availability.

4. 4. The faculty must check and grade the make-up examination within one week of the examination date and post the grade on the UMS, replacing the ‘I’ grade. An exception to this timeline may be granted where the faculty member has a prior commitment, such as pre-planned official or personal travel, approved annual leave, or other circumstances.


5. 5. The format and academic standard of the make-up examination shall be determined by the relevant faculty and may differ from the original examination.


6. 6. A student who fails to appear for an approved make-up examination on the assigned date shall not ordinarily be granted another opportunity.

Limits on Make-Up Examinations

1. 1. A student may be granted a make-up examination for only one major examination (midterm or final) per course in a semester.


2. 2. If a student fails to appear for the scheduled make-up examination, the examination will not be rescheduled, and no further make-up examination opportunity will be provided.


3. 3. A student who misses more than one major examination in the same course must consult the relevant academic office regarding the appropriate academic option, which may include course withdrawal or semester freeze, where applicable.


4. 4. A make-up examination cannot be requested after the student has already appeared in the original examination.


5. 5. A make-up examination cannot be used to improve an examination result or replace an examination merely because the student is dissatisfied with anticipated or actual performance.

As per the decision of the Academic Board taken on October 16, 2026, with effect from Fall 2026.

Rechecking of final paper

Students may request for rechecking of their exam scripts subject to a deposit of Rs. 12,000/ - per course, which is refundable if any significant improvement in grades/marks is found after rechecking. They may request rechecking for either midterm or final exam per course within 1 month of the release of final grades of all courses studied in a particular semester.

Cheating and plagiarism

The IBA maintains a strict policy on academic misconduct. Strict disciplinary action should be taken against any student found cheating or using unfair means in examinations. 

For further details please refer to the Student Handbook:
https://www.iba.edu.pk/News/student-handbook2025-26.pdf

Improvement of grade

Students are allowed to repeat the course(s) for improvement of grades with the following conditions: The better grade of the repeated course shall be considered towards CGPA calculation and there would be no averaging. This option will not be available to those students who have graduated or have dropped out. If a student has repeated a core course for a better grade, then he/she is required to intimate the examinations department about the course and request for the exclusion of poor grades. The transcript processing for graduating students shall remain on hold until the provision of this information.

Include/Exclude (Core Course)

If you have repeated a CORE course and want to include a better grade, you must submit a formal request to the examinations department.

You can download the ‘Grade improvement Form’ from the following link and submit it to the Program Office: po@iba.edu.pk
Form link: https://www.iba.edu.pk/forms/improvement-of-grade.pdf

Non-Credit (Elective Course)

Only students in their 7th or 8th semester may request to declare a completed elective course as non-credit. This can help overcome course deficiency due to failure.
There is no minimum CGPA requirement for declaring a course as non-credit in the afore mentioned cases.

Students may enroll in an additional course without special permission from the Dean, and such courses are not included in CGPA computation but do appear on the transcript.

Students requesting non-crediting of courses should review their Degree Progress Report accessible via the self-service menu when they log in to the UMS. They can also submit a request online via the provided link.
If multiple courses need to be declared as non-credit, students should fill out the form separately for each course.

Students who have studied additional electives must submit an online request for each course to be declared as non-credit through the relevant program office.

Students may request one or more courses non-credit by submitting an application to the program office, either on paper or via email. The grades and marks will still be shown on the transcript. However, a course cannot be declared as non-credit after the issuance of the official transcript.

You can download the ‘Non-Credit Form’ from the following link and submit it to
Program Office:
po@iba.edu.pk
Form link: https://www.iba.edu.pk/forms/non-credit-form-rev2.pdf

Minimum GPA Requirements

A student must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.20 cumulative during their stay at the IBA. Any first-year (with total credits less than 30) undergraduate student with a CGPA of less than 2.00 would be placed on probation for 1 semester at the end of which they must improve their CGPA to 2.0 or higher otherwise they shall be dropped from the rolls of the Institute.

If a student’s CGPA falls between 2.00-2.19 (probation range) in the spring/fall semester, they would be issued a warning letter for improvement of CGPA.

At the end of the probation semester, a probationer is required to improve their CGPA and bring it up to the required minimum of 2.20. However, if the CGPA still remains within the probation range then the probation shall continue in the next semesters of studies in which the probationer may study until the CGPA improves to a value of 2.20 or higher. There would be no warning letter for summer courses.

If a student fails to pass certain courses and yet manages to maintain their CGPA equal to or above 2.20, they are allowed to repeat and clear the course(s) or substitute(s) (wherever permissible) before the degree is awarded to them provided that the enrollment period has not expired.

(91st MEETING OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF IBA HELD ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2022)

MBA & Executive MBA degree program students must have studied 18 credits while the MS students must have studied 9 credit hours. Withdrawn courses are not counted in the CGPA calculation. Withdrawn courses are not counted in the CGPA calculation.

(85th MEETING OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF IBA HELD ON FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020)

Criteria For Deans’ List

The following decision, taken by the Academic Board of IBA in its 103rd meeting held on June 11, 2026.
"The revised Dean's List criteria will be applicable to all students starting from the Fall 2026 semester."

Revised Dean's List Criteria (Applicable from Fall 2026)
Dean's List will be prepared for all undergraduate and regular MBA programs. Students will qualify for the Dean's List (Spring or Fall semester) based on the following criteria:

• The student must fall within the top 5% of the class based on semester GPA, subject to meeting a minimum GPA of 3.7. The class size for each program will be determined by the number of students enrolled in courses in that program during the relevant semester.
• The student must have completed the regular course load prescribed for their program during the semester under consideration.
• Students who miss an examination and subsequently apply for a makeup examination will not be eligible for the Dean's List for that semester.
• The student must not have been subjected to any disciplinary action within IBA during the semester.
• All courses, for the purpose of calculating a student's GPA, must have been completed at IBA.

Previous Criteria (Applicable Until Spring 2026)
The following criteria were used for including a student's name on the Dean's List, finalized by the Dean's List Committee:

• The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) must be greater than or equal to 3.5.
• The student must have completed at least 4 courses (3 or more credit hours each) in a regular semester.
• Undergraduate students in their last semester with 3 or fewer courses remaining are required to take 4 or more courses to be eligible for the Dean's List, provided all other criteria are met.
• Executive MBA students must have completed 3 courses (3 or more credit hours each) in the semester.
• The student must not have been subjected to any disciplinary action within the Institute during the semester. (Disciplinary actions include all actions for which a student can be suspended.)
• Students who obtain an academic semester average of 90% or more will earn the honor of the Dean's List with distinction.

Award of medals or shields for best student

All awards may not necessarily be given each year and for each degree program. The criteria for the award of medals/shields is mentioned below:

• The top student of each program qualifying the following criteria will be awarded the IBA medal.
• The 2nd and 3rd best students would be awarded shields.
• The student who has the highest CGPA, without any failure, shall be eligible, provided the CGPA is 3.5 or higher.
• In case of a tie where the CGPA is the same, the student with the higher average percentage marks shall be eligible for the award of medal.
• No award will be made unless there is a candidate of sufficient merit. For example, if only one student qualifies according to the abovementioned criteria, they will be awarded a medal and there will be no shield.
• No distinction shall be made between different batches from different admission cycles or campuses i.e., all graduating students of a particular program satisfying the above criteria would be considered as a large group of candidates for the award of medal/shield described above.