Looking for the difference between O level and A level? You have come to the right place to explore the difference between O level and A level. Both are high school exams taken by the CAIE (Cambridge International Examinations). 

The Cambridge curriculum pioneers a gold standard in education worldwide. Sought after by employers and international universities, O Level in Pakistan is in the middle of a Cambridge pathway leading to A Levels.

You can continue studying the subjects you took in O Level or take new ones. However, students are generally advised to pick A Level subjects with a sufficient understanding of the syllabus, marking schemes, and cumulative candidates’ grade thresholds for previous years. Let’s read ahead to find out more about the difference between O level and A level. 

What is O level in Pakistan?

Grades 8, 9 and 10 are considered O level in Pakistan. If you are doing matric, you will study the matric syllabus in class 9 and 10. O Level is the matric equivalent recognized locally and internationally. A Level is the FSc equivalent recognized by HEC and abroad. 

O level subjects in Pakistan 

First, the students can understand the possibilities of combinations by choosing subjects from these groups: 

English language and literature: 

• English Language – 1123
• Literature in English – 2010

Creative and professional

• Accounting – 7707 
• Art & Design – 6090
• Business Studies – 7115
• Commerce – 7100 
• Computer Science – 2210
• Design & Technology – 6043
• Fashion & Textiles – 6130 
• Food & Nutrition – 6065
• Statistics – 4040

Humanities and social sciences 

• Geography – 2217 
• Global Perspectives – 2069
• History – 2147
• Sociology – 2251
• Pakistan Studies – 2059
• Islamic Studies – 2068 
• Islamiyat – 2058 

Languages 

• Urdu – First Language – 3247 
• Urdu – Second Language – 3248

Mathematics 

• Syllabus D – 4024
• Additional – 4037

Science 

• Biology – 5090
• Physics – 5054
• Chemistry – 5070
• Environmental Management – 5014

O Level compulsory subjects in Pakistan 

It is mandatory for each candidate in Pakistan to appear in these subjects:

1. Pakistan studies
2. Islamiyat 
3. English
4. Math syllabus D
5. Urdu

Considerations before choosing O Level subjects 

#1 Which career do you want to be in? 

To pick ​​O level subjects in Pakistan, students may not have a clear idea about career choices. That is because they have just started to explore a more complex way of studying subjects. Also, clarity about careers is not expected at this stage. To help you brainstorm, take a look at all different types of careers that people take up around you. 

#2 What are your interests?

Do you enjoy science or math or creative writing inspires you more? Just probe your personal interests a little bit. Students tend to like a subject because they are naturally curious about that subject. Sometimes a teacher is so inspiring that he or she brings life to a subject students wouldn’t be interested in. 

#3 Long-term goals

Always keep an eye on the bigger picture, which is mostly your aptitude plus career. As noted above, it is not always clear as to what students want to be as professionals. Therefore, more preference should be given to the aptitude of the students at this time. 

#4 Grade threshold tables

Cambridge gives you a complete look at grade thresholds in every subject after results have been released each year. These tables inform you of raw grades for each component and also the minimum raw mark required for each grade.

A level in Pakistan

There are over 80 A Level subjects offered by Cambridge for AS/A Levels. You can choose from a wide variety of A Level subjects that best suit your career goals, capabilities and interests. Also, check with your school about a specific subject you wish to take in A level in Pakistan.

Considerations before choosing A Level subjects

#1 Which subjects to choose in A Level when not sure of a career pathway?

Your choice of subjects will determine whether you qualify for a specific university. However, many of us aren’t aware of the exact career pathway to choose. 

A Levels subjects list 

Russel Group represents 24 world class universities in the UK. To broaden your career choices, it suggests keeping any two of the following facilitating subjects (required by most universities) from the A Level subjects list of the Cambridge International.  

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English Literature
• Geography
• History
• Physics
• Modern and classical languages
• Maths and further Maths

Schools usually do offer these A Level subjects in Pakistan. Students need to keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. So the students should not misunderstand these to be the only subjects that top-level universities are looking for. 

#2 A Level subjects combination 

We suggest that you can explore more subjects in A Levels instead of taking similar courses. For instance, business and economics are closely related subjects. You might find them to be the easiest A Level subjects, but weigh out the ease of taking similar subjects with the university requirements. 

#3 Use The New Informed Choices tool

The New Informed Choices is a great interactive tool by Russel Group to help students find out about the subjects they would want to take. This initiative is especially designed for students in disadvantaged countries which lack access to knowledge about universities. 

#4 Use A Levels Explorer Tool by UniGuide

The A Levels explorer by UniGuide is an interactive search tool to find which subjects can help you join several undergraduate studies at universities. Do make sure to check with your school to find about A Level subjects in Pakistan. 

#5 Ask a school counselor 

Choice of subjects comes with a natural anxiety. That’s because you are stepping towards a milestone in your life that will determine your career choice and lifestyle. A counselor can also help you make A Level subjects combination.  

#6 Check university websites and campuses

Students are encouraged to visit the websites or campuses of the universities they wish to join. We suggest making a list of universities instead of focusing on only one. This flexibility will save you from taking undue stress while applying for admissions and you will always have a plan B! 

While checking for universities, make sure to visit dorms (if you will require accommodation), measure commute distances, weigh out the financial aspects of the degree programs, and make a fairly informed decision. 

Excelling in both O and A Levels

#1 Make a schedule 

Make a balanced schedule that you can comfortably follow. Make sure to keep enough time for:

• Restful sleep 
• Friends and family 
• Household chores 
• Studying with practice 
• Making notes

Remember that making a schedule that’s too crowded might lead you to mindlessly memorizing concepts which will be very counterproductive for your exams.

#2 How to attempt exams?

• Learning experts suggest that one should start with the hardest question first. Don’t attempt exams in a linear way. You can move in between questions and give a good jog to the brain needed for memory and analysis questions. 
• Practicing enough past papers before the final one will give you confidence during the exam. 
• In exams, you are frequently tasked with essays and the best way to ace these essays is to have prepared from detailed notes. 
• Mock exams should be taken very seriously. Take it as if it’s your real exam. Attempt as many mocks as you can, whether offered by your school or academy. 
• Time-management is the key to a good grade. Taking mocks under strict time constraints is the only way to perform under exam pressure. 
• Read examiner reports carefully. They provide crucial info on where students have gone wrong in previous years. Compare all the examiner reports and figure out how the assessment objectives can be met by you. 
• Take one step ahead (especially for A Level): All students study from the coursebook and teachers’ notes. Toppers also use the teacher’s guide! It provides a more detailed look at each aspect of the topic. Do this only when you have finished the school year at school and have ample time to figure out new information. 

#3 How to make notes?

You can make notes using long hand, shorthand, sketch notes, mind maps or any other way that appeals to you. Here is why should you take notes: 

• Note taking will help you improve your memory! 
• Note taking skills enhance your organization abilities. That is because you will become comfortable finding the main points, outlining the supporting evidence, and so on. 
• You can get better results with notes. 
• You can become a very attentive and active listener. 
• Also it gives you the skill of thinking about several things while making connections between pieces of information – all at the same time. This activity exercises and sharpens your brain. 

Now that you have learned about the difference between O level and A level, what are your favorite takeaways? Let’s get talking in the comments below. 

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