Exam Specifications

for HSSC Part II

Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards
 Table of Content

S.No Description Page No.

1. Introduction 3
2. Compulsory Subjects 4 – 10
3. Science Elective Subjects 11 – 16
4. Humanities Elective Subjects 17 – 24
5. Commerce Elective Subjects 25 – 29
6. Additional Subjects 30 – 32
Introduction:

As a result of continued uncertainty and staggered opening of schools due to the COVID-19
outbreak, the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) implemented the
rationalised examination specifications (MCQs only) in all subjects of SSC and HSSC Annual
and Re-sit Examinations of 2021 and 2022 except that of English Compulsory, Urdu
Compulsory, Urdu Aasan, Literature in English, Sindhi, Fine Arts and Art and Model Drawing.

However, for the examination year 2023 and onwards, AKU-EB will revert to the original
Examination Specifications with changes in the mark distribution in MCQs, CRQs, and ERQs.
As a result, for the Examination year 2023 and onwards:

1. All topics will be assessed.

2. Practical examination will take place, as per practice before rationalisation.
3. The distribution of marks among MCQs, CRQs and ERQs have been revised.

The revision in distribution of marks among MCQs, CRQs and ERQs has been done on the
basis of analysis of students’ performance in MCQ-based papers and following international
best practices of using various question types to ensure reliability, validity and fairness.

Page 3
Compulsory
Subjects

Page 4
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards

English Compulsory HSSC Part II

The English Compulsory Exam for HSSC Part II will consist of two papers of 100 marks in
total. Paper I will have 40 multiple choice questions to be answered in 55 minutes. Paper II
will consist of two constructed response and two essay type questions worth 60 marks to be
done in 125 minutes (2 hours and 05 minutes).

Paper I 40 marks

Paper I will have two separate sections:

• Listening comprehension section will be of 20 marks. It will be of 25 minutes duration

which includes the time for listening to the recorded passages. This part will have two
listening passages; each passage will be followed by 10 MCQs.

• Reading comprehension section will be of 20 marks and 30 minutes long. This part will
consist of TWO reading passages. Each passage will be followed by 10 MCQs. These
MCQs will test the use of scanning, skimming, top-down and bottom up techniques.

Paper II 60 marks

This paper will be of 60 marks with the following tasks and marks allocation:

• A text-based passage paired with a visual text/ comic strip OR two comparative paired
texts followed by literal and inference based questions which require skills to synthesise
and interpret information 17 marks

• One cloze passage 10 marks

• Resume + Covering Letter OR report writing OR personal statement 15 marks

• Essay writing (a choice of any ONE from expressive/ reflective, persuasive/

argumentative and analytical essays) 18 marks

The students will be asked to give an elaborate response to the essay question. Their responses
to the writing composition questions will be marked against the given tasks. Rote memorization
and reproduction of irrelevant details will be discouraged. Responses will be marked for their
content relevance, vocabulary, structure, expression and overall impression.

(Students should NOT mention their names, names of their schools or any other form of
identification anywhere in the examination paper)

Page 5
 ‫‪Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards‬‬

‫‪Urdu Compulsory HSSC Part II‬‬

‫اُردو الزیم اکااحتمندورپوچں رپلمتشموہاگنج ےکلکبمن‪100‬وہں ےگ رپۂچا ّول ںیم‪ 40‬بمن ےکریثکاالاختنیب وساالتوہں ےگنجےکوجاابت ‪ 55‬ٹنم‬
‫ںیم دےنی وہں ےگ ۔رپۂچ دوم ‪4‬وموضیع ‪/‬رحترییرصتخم‪/‬نفِ رحتری ےس قلعتم وساالت رپ لمتشم وہاگ اور نجےک بمن‪60‬وہں ےگ ‪،‬ان وساالت ےک وجاابت‬
‫‪125‬ٹنمںیمدےنیوہںےگ۔اسرطحہیااحتمینرپہچ‪180‬ٹنمرپلمتشموہاگ۔‬

‫لیصفترپہچا ّول‪:‬‬

‫دنمرہجذلیوصحںاوربمنوںیکصیصختےکاسھتہیرپہچ‪40‬بمناکوہاگ۔‬

‫‪ ‬یعمس میہفت اک رپہچ ‪ 20‬بمن اک وہاگ سج اک دوراہین ‪ 25‬ٹنم وہاگسج ںیم راکیرڈڈی (‪ )Recorded‬اابتقاست اک وتق اشلم‬ ‫ےننسیکاہمرت‬
‫ےہ۔اس ےّصح ںیم دویعمس اابتقاست وہں ےگ(وج ومجمعۂ مظن ورثن ےس ںیہن ےیل ےئگ وہں ےگ ) سج اکرہ اابتقس ‪ 10‬ریثک االاختنیب‬
‫(‪20‬بمن)‬ ‫وساالترپینبموہاگ۔‬

‫‪ ‬یمیہفت وخادنیگ یک ابعرت اک رپہچ ‪ 20‬بمن اک وہاگ سج اک دوراہین ‪ 30‬ٹنم وہ اگ۔ اس ےّصح ںیم دو یمیہفت اابتقاست وہں ےگ وج‬ ‫ڑپےنھیکاہمرت‬
‫(‪20‬بمن)‬ ‫ومجمہعٔمظنورثنےسںیہنےیلاجںیئےگ‪،‬رہیمیہفتاابتقس‪10‬ریثکاالاختنیبوساالترپینبموہاگ۔‬

‫لیصفترپہچدوم‪:‬‬

‫دنمرہجذلیوّصحںاوربمنوںیکصیصختےکاسھتہیرپہچ‪60‬بمناکوہاگ۔‬

‫‪‬صحٔ رثن‪:‬‬ ‫ڑپےنھیکاہمرت‬

‫تع ل ّ‬
‫(‪15‬بمن)‬ ‫وصخایصترحتری‪/‬رحتریرپرصبتہ‪ /‬میاقمدصرپینبموساالت‬
‫ِ‬ ‫رمزکیایخل‪،‬‬ ‫از‬
‫‪‬صحٔمظن‪:‬‬ ‫ومجمہعٔمظنورثن‬
‫(‪20‬بمن)‬ ‫سجےکوساالترمزکیایخل‪،‬اشرعیکوصخایصت‪،‬االطصاحت‪،‬ااعشر‪/‬دنبےکوہفممرپینبموہںےگ۔‬

‫‪‬یقیلخترحتری‪:‬یسکاکیسفنِومضمن(‪)Theme‬ےکتحتآپیتیب‪،‬ااشنہیئ‪،‬روزانہچم‪/‬ڈارئی‪،‬ومضمن‪،‬اانصفںیمےسدو‬ ‫ےنھکلیکاہمرت‬
‫(‪15‬بمن)‬ ‫اانصفدیاجںیئیگنجںیمےسیسکاکیفنصرپاطبلملعوکےنھکلاکقحاحلصوہاگ۔‬
‫(‪10‬بمن)‬ ‫‪‬وتکمباگنری‪:‬دروخاتس‪/‬ریغریمسطخ۔‬

‫‪Page 6‬‬
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023

Pakistan Culture HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 8 Marks
6. Sufis and their Shrines 5 13
(1 CRQ)
Total 10 Marks
7. Archaeological Treasures 6 16
(2 CRQs)
Total 10 Marks 10 Marks
Architecture and Historical
8. 6 Choose any ONE 26
Monuments (2 CRQs) from TWO
Major Trends in Arts and Total 10 Marks 10 Marks
9. Literature and Their 8 Choose any ONE 33
Exponents (2 CRQs) from TWO
Festivals, Social Customs and Total 7 Marks
10. 5
Dresses (1 CRQ)
Total 30 50 20 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

Page 7
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Pakistan Studies HSSC Part XII

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs

The Idea of Pakistan and its Total 3 Marks

1. 6 9
Historical Background (1 CRQ)

Constitutional Development in Total 3 Marks

2. 5
Pakistan (1 CRQ) 6 Marks
Choose any ONE 22
Foreign Policy of the Islamic Total 3 Marks from TWO
7. 5
Republic of Pakistan (1 CRQ)

Administrative Structure of Total 2 Marks

3. 3 5
Pakistan and Good Governance (1 CRQ)

4. Cultural Heritage of Pakistan 2 2

Economic Planning and Total 3 Marks

5. Development in the Islamic 6 9
Republic of Pakistan (1 CRQ)

National Integration and

6. 3 3
Prosperity

Total 30 14 6 50

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Islamiyat HSSC Part II

Topic
Total Marks Distribution Topics
No.
Marks
ERQs CRQs MCQs
Total 5 Marks
16
(1 CRQ)
11 ‫ارقلآن ارکلی‬
ُ ‫۔‬1

Total 4 Marks
10
(1 CRQ)
6 ‫ادحلثی‬ ‫۔‬2
6 Marks Total 5 Marks
21 Choose any ONE
(1 CRQ)
10 ‫وموضاعیتاطمہعل‬ ‫۔‬3
from TWO
3 3 ‫ملسماقثںیتف‬ ‫۔‬4

50 6 14 30 ‫ُک‬

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

Page 9
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Ethics HSSC Part XII

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 5 Marks
1. Introduction to Ethics 8 13
(2 CRQs)
Total 5 Marks
2. Religions of Pakistan 11 16
(2 CRQs)
Total 2 Marks
3. Values 7 6 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 21
Total 2 Marks from TWO
4. Personalities 4
(1 CRQ)
Total 30 14 6 50

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

Page 10
Science Elective
Subjects

Page 11
 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Physics HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 3 Marks
11. Electrostatics 6 9
(1 CRQ)
7 Marks
12. Current Electricity 5 Choose any ONE 12
from TWO
Total 3 Marks
13. Electromagnetism 5 8
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
14. Electromagnetic Induction 4 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
15. Alternating Current 4 6
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
16. Physics of Solids 5 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
17. Electronics 5 8
(1 CRQ)
7 Marks
18. Dawn of the Modern Physics 5 Choose any ONE 12
from TWO
Total 2 Marks
19. Atomic Spectra 5 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
20. Nuclear Physics 6 9
(1 CRQ)
Total 50 21 14 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.
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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards
Biology HSSC Part II
Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 3 Marks
15. Homeostasis 5 7 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 22
Total 2 Marks from TWO
16. Support and Movement 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
17. Co-ordination and Control 5 7 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 21
Total 2 Marks from TWO
22. Variation and Genetics 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
18. Reproduction 3
(1 CRQ)
10
Total 2 Marks
19. Growth and Development 3
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
20. Chromosomes and DNA 4
(1 CRQ)
13
Total 3 Marks
21. Cell Cycle 4
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
23. Biotechnology 4 7
(1 CRQ)
24. Evolution 4 4
25. Ecosystem 3
26. Some Major Ecosystems 3 8
27. Man and his Environment 2
Total 50 21 14 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.
Page 13
 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Chemistry HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
13. s- and p-Block Elements 5 5
14. d- and f- Block Elements 4 4
Total 3 Marks
15. Organic Compounds 3 6
(1 CRQ)
16. Hydrocarbons 4 7 Marks
Choose any ONE 15
23. Environmental Chemistry 4 from TWO
17. Alkyl halides and Amines 4
7 Marks
Carbonyl Compound II: Choose any ONE 15
20. Carboxylic Acid and 4 from TWO
Functional Derivatives
Total 4 Marks
18. Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers 5 9
(1 CRQ)
Carbonyl Compound I: Total 4 Marks
19. 5 9
Aldehydes and Ketones (1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
21. Biochemistry 4 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
22. Industrial Chemistry 5 8
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
24. Analytical Chemistry 3 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 50 21 14 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.
Page 14
 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Mathematics HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs

11. MAPLE -

Total 3 Marks
12. Functions and Limits 4 7
(1 CRQ)
13. Differentiation Total 5 Marks
8 Choose any TWO from 18
Higher Order Derivative and
14. THREE
Application
Partial Fractions 1 MCQ and
15. Total 5 Marks
No CRQs
8 Choose any TWO from 18
16. Integration THREE

Plane Analytical Geometry Total 4 Marks

17. 10 14
(Straight Line) (1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
18. Linear Programming 1 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
19. Circles 4 8
(1 CRQ)
20. Parabola
Total 4 Marks
21. Ellipse 8 Choose any TWO from 16
THREE
22. Hyperbola

Total 4 Marks
23. Translation and Rotation 1 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
24. Vectors 6 Choose any ONE from 9
TWO
Total 50 50 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from
four options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few
phrases/ sentences), calculations or diagrams.

Page 15
 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Computer Science HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
9. 6 Total 3 Marks 9
Operating System (OS)
(1 CRQ)
10. System Development Life 2 Total 3 Marks 5
Cycle (SDLC) (1 CRQ)
Introduction to C++ Total 5 Marks
11. 10
Programming (1 CRQ) 7 Marks
Choose any ONE 33
Total 3 Marks
12. Control Structures 8 from TWO
(1 CRQ)

13. Arrays and Strings 3 7 Marks

Choose any ONE 17
14. Functions 7 from TWO

15. Pointers 3 3

Object Oriented Programming Total 4 Marks

16. 8 12
(OOP) (1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
17. File Handling 3 6
(1 CRQ)

Total 50 21 14 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

*Practical:

• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.

• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.

Page 16
 Humanities
Elective Subjects

Page 17
 Annual Examinations 2023

Geography HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
7 Marks
Total 15 Marks
7. The Geography of the Continents 12 Choose any ONE 34
(3 CRQs) from TWO
Total 15 Marks 8 Marks
8. Economic Geography 12 Choose any ONE 35
(3 CRQs) from TWO
Total 4 Marks
9. Population Geography 2 6
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
10. The Environment 2 6
(1 CRQ)
Total 2 Marks
11. Practical Geography 2 4
(1 CRQ)
Total 30 40 15 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.

Page 18
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Civics HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 10 Marks
4. Ideology of Pakistan 17 27
(3 CRQs)
Total 14 Marks 10 Marks
5. Constitution of Pakistan 23 Choose any ONE 47
(4 CRQs) from TWO
Total 6 Marks 10 Marks
6. Foreign Affairs of Pakistan 10 Choose any ONE 26
(2 CRQs) from TWO
Total 50 30 20 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

Page 19
 Annual Examinations 2023 onwards

Education HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Human Growth and Total 5 Marks
6. 9 14
Development (2 CRQs)
Total 5 Marks 10 Marks
7. Learning 9 Choose any ONE 24
(2 CRQs) from TWO
Curriculum, Syllabus, Total 5 Marks
8. 12 17
Textbook and Assessment (2 CRQs)
Total 5 Marks 10 Marks
Policies and Plan of Education
9. 9 Choose any ONE 24
in Pakistan (2 CRQs) from TWO
Problems of the Education Total 6 Marks
10. 5 11
Sector in Pakistan (2 CRQs)
Role of Various Organisations Total 4 Marks
11. Contributing towards 6 10
Education (1 CRQ)

Total 50 30 20 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

Page 20
 Annual Examinations 2023 onwards

Psychology HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 3 Marks
7. Developmental Psychology 9 12
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
8. Social Psychology 9 12
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
9. Personality 12 16
(1 CRQ)
Total 5 Marks 10 Marks
10. Psychology of Health 10 Choose any ONE 25
(2 CRQs) from TWO

11. Guidance and Counselling 6 6

10 Marks
12. Introduction to Statistics 4 Choose any ONE 14
from TWO
Total 50 15 20 85
Practical* 15
Total 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.

Page 21
 Annual Examinations 2023 onwards

Sociology HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total 4 Marks
5. Social Institutions 7 11
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
6. Deviance and Social Control 7 10 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 32
Impact of Environment on Total 4 Marks from TWO
7. 7
Society and Communities (1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
8. Social Change 7 10 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 37
Total 6 Marks from TWO
9. Social Problems 10
(2 CRQs)
Total 8 Marks
10. Social Research 12 20
(2 CRQs)
Total 50 30 20 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

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 Annual Examinations 2023 onwards
Statistics HSSC Part II
Topic
Topic Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs
Total 3 Marks
(1 CRQ)
10. Counting Techniques 6 9
Choose any ONE from
TWO
Total 5 Marks
(1 CRQ)
11. Probability 8 13
Choose any ONE from
TWO
Total 5 Marks
Random Variables and (1 CRQ)
12. 7 12
Probability Distribution Choose any ONE from
TWO
Special Discrete Probability Total 4 Marks
13. 6 10
Distributions (1 CRQ)
Special Continuous Probability Total 4 Marks
14. 6 10
Distribution (1 CRQ)
Sampling and Sampling Total 4 Marks
15. 5 9
Distributions (1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
16. Estimation 2 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
17. Hypothesis Testing 4 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
18. Association of Attributes 3 7
(1 CRQ)
19. Design of Experiment 3 3
Total 50 35 85
Practical* 15
Total Marks 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer
from four options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few
phrases/ sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.
*Practical:
• Practical examination will be conducted separate from the theory paper.
• Practical examination will be based on the list of practical activities given in the examination syllabus.
Schools may design their own practical manuals based on these activities.
• Practical journal/ portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such
as a teacher or principal, and submitted at the time of the practical examination.
• It is essential for each school to equip its laboratories with chemicals, instruments, apparatus, specimens
etc. according to the requirements of the practical activities. Each school will be responsible to make
sure that each student is provided the opportunity to do the practical activities.

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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards
Economics HSSC Part II
Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Introduction of Total 3 Marks
13. 3 6
Macroeconomics (1 CRQ)
Total 5 Marks
14. National Income 5 7 Marks
(2 CRQs)
Choose any ONE 26
Economic Development and Total 5 Marks from TWO
21. 4
Planning (2 CRQs)
Total 4 Marks
15. Money 4 8
(1 CRQ)
Total 6 Marks
16. Banks and Banking in Pakistan 4 10
(2 CRQs)
Total 6 Marks
17. Public Finance 3 9
(2 CRQs)
Total 6 Marks
18. International Trade 4 10
(2 CRQs)
Total 5 Marks
19. Economic System of Islam 3 8
(1 CRQ)
Introduction to Pakistan Total 5 Marks
20. 4 9
Economy (1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
22. Communication 3 6
(1 CRQ)
Total 5 Marks
23. Human Resource 3 8
(2 CRQs)

Total 40 53 7 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

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 Commerce
Elective Subjects

Page 25
 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Principles of Accounting HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs
Accounting for Incomplete Total 7 Marks
6. 6 13
Records/ Single Entry (2 CRQs)
Accounting for Non-Profit Total 7 Marks
7. 6 13
Organisation (NPO) (2 CRQs)
Total 20 Marks
8. Accounting for Partnership 12 32
(4 CRQs)
Total 20 Marks
9. Accounting for Company’s 12 32
(3 CRQs)
Valuation of stock/ Inventory Total 6 Marks
10. 4 10
Valuation (IAS 2) (2 CRQs)

Total 40 60 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from
four options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few
phrases/ sentences), calculations or diagrams.

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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Banking HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Introduction to Banking and Total 3 Marks
1. 5 8
Banking System (1 CRQ)
Total 6 Marks
2. Commercial Bank 7 13
(2 CRQs)
Total 7 Marks
3. Central Bank 8 15
(2 CRQs)
Total 3 Marks
4. Banking Instruments 7 7 Marks
(1 CRQ)
Choose any ONE 25
Total 3 Marks from TWO
6. Foreign Exchange 5
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
5. Bank Advance and Funds 5 8
(1 CRQ)
Pakistan Specialised Financial Total 3 Marks
7. 3 6
Institutions (1 CRQ)

Total 40 28 7 75

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Commercial Geography HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Introduction to Commercial Total 3 Marks
1. 2 5
Geography (1 CRQ)
Geographical Significance of Total 3 Marks
2. 2 5
Pakistan (1 CRQ)
Environment, Economic and Total 3 Marks
3. 2 5
Commercial Activities (1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
4. Natural Vegetation (Forest) 4 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
5. Agriculture (Livestock) 5 8
(1 CRQ)
Agriculture (Agriculture Total 3 Marks
6. 5 8
Farming) (1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
7. Irrigation 3 7
(1 CRQ)
Mineral Resources, Energy Total 3 Marks
8. 3 6
Resources and their Reserves (1 CRQ)

11. Human Resource 5 7 Marks

Choose any ONE 17
9. Manufacturing and Industries 5 from TWO

Total 3 Marks
10. Transportation and Trade 4 7
(1 CRQ)

Total 40 28 7 75

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few phrases/
sentences), calculations or diagrams.
• Extended Response Question (ERQ) requires students to answer in a more descriptive form. The answer
should be in paragraph form, with diagrams where needed, and address all parts of the question.

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 Annual and Re-Sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Business Statistics HSSC Part II

Topic
Topics Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs CRQs

9. Introduction to Statistics 3 3

Total 3 Marks
10. Presentation of Statistical Data 5 8
(1 CRQ)
Total 3 Marks
Measures of Central Tendency
11. 7 Choose any ONE from 10
and Quartiles
TWO
Total 3 Marks
12. Measures of Dispersion 4 7
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
13. Index Number 2 6
(1 CRQ)
Total 4 Marks
Counting Techniques and
14. 7 Choose any ONE from 11
Probability
TWO
Scatter Diagram and Total 3 Marks
15. 2 5
Correlation (1 CRQ)
Total 30 20 50

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from
four options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Constructed Response Question (CRQ) requires students to respond with a short text (few
phrases/ sentences), calculations or diagrams.

Page 29
Additional
Subjects

Page 30
 Annual and Re-sit Examinations 2023 onwards

Literature in English HSSC Part II

The Literature in English Exam for HSSC Part II will consist of one paper of 100 marks
in total.
This paper will comprise three sections; plays, essays/ short stories and poetry. Each
section will consist of constructed response questions and two extended response
questions (a choice will be given in the extended response questions).

Section I: (Plays)
Section I will have two parts A and B representing the two recommended plays. Students will
attempt one of these parts. This section will be of 35 marks with the following tasks and marks
allocation.
A reading passage from the play followed by constructed response questions. 20 Marks
Two questions based on theme, plot, setting or characters which imply an 15 Marks
extended response. Students will have to attempt any one question.
Section II: (Short Stories/ Essays)
Section II will be of 30 marks with the following tasks and marks allocation.
Constructed response questions from the recommended essays and shorts 15 Marks
stories.
Two questions based on theme, setting, symbolism or author’s viewpoint which 15 Marks
imply an extended response. Students will have to attempt any one question.
Section III: (Poetry)
Section III will have 35 marks in total. It will be comprised of the following
tasks and marks allocation.
Reference to context questions from the recommended poems. 20 Marks
Two questions based on theme, setting, symbolism, figurative language or 15 Marks
author‟s viewpoint which imply an extended response. Students will have to
attempt any one question.

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 Annual Examinations 2023 onwards
Fine Arts HSSC Part II

Topic
Topic Marks Distribution Total
No.
Marks
MCQs ERQs Portfolio*
Fundamentals of 5 pieces of
5. Drawing, Painting and 5 artwork to be
Design submitted at the
time of
30 Marks each examination which
Creativity and Artistic (2 ERQs)
6. 5 represents all the 100
Expressions Choose any ONE medium
from TWO (submission of
work created
7. Art Appreciation 10 under 8.1.3 is
mandatory)
Total 20 60 20 100

• Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) requires candidates to choose one best/ correct answer from four
options for each question. Each MCQ carries ONE mark.
• Extended Response Questions (ERQ) will require answers to assess skills and techniques of fine arts.

*Portfolio

• Submission of portfolio is compulsory for all candidates. The assessment of portfolio aims to reflect
the artistic development of the candidate based on a selection of his/ her artwork over a period of time.
For each candidate, 5 pieces of artwork in various media will be required.
• Portfolio should comprise of work of different media practiced during the school year.
• Portfolio should be developed by students and endorsed by a figure of authority, such as a teacher or
principal, and submitted at the time of examination.

Page 32