Difference between O Level and Matric

Difference between O level and Matric

The debate over ‘which one is better, O Level or Matriculation?’ seems never-ending. It was the question once seldom asked, but now with growing awareness and prevailing competitiveness, parents and students at some point have a second thought about which one to opt.

So, how to choose between O level and Matric? You will know after reading this article, the differences between O level and Matric, the two educational systems, and then you will weigh the pros and cons of both.

What is the O level?

General Certificate of Education (GCE) divides education into two parts; O level and A level. O level, also called the Ordinary level, is an internationally recognized subject-based qualification. It is education at the secondary school level, or one might say the education equivalent to 9th and 10th grade (Matriculation).

What is Matriculation

Matriculation can be defined as ‘the process of formal education before entering a college or university.’   It is of becoming eligible to enter college by fulfilling specific academic requirements such as a matriculation examination. It is education at the secondary school level.

O-Level vs. Matric

Course outline, grading system, testing methods, duration, and in short, everything of the two systems are worlds apart.

Duration

The duration of the O level education comprises of three years while the matriculation offers two years of schooling.

Learning Methods

Conceptual based learning over rote learning certainly gives O level students an edge. They do have the upper hand in terms of knowledge than their counterpart Matric fellows.

Matric is affordable to a vast majority, and thus with many shortcomings cater to the whole country while O level is practically out of reach of the salaried class (people who get a monthly salary).

Matric students often indulge in rote learning and prefer to fill the pages in the exams. There is also a concept of filling more sheets to impress the examiner. O level study is all about conceptual learning and prefers to-the-point answer in the exams.

Educational Systems

O level comes under the British educational system. The O level qualification is awarded by CIE, i.e., Cambridge International Examination.

While Matric comes under federal or local educational boards of the country, these boards award the SSC (secondary school certificate) on completion.

Syllabus

In O level for every subject, there is a specific syllabus and guidelines to follow. Students study from different reference books following the curriculum and are not stuck with a single course book throughout the course period.

Matric students have certain prescribed books for every subject that they are bound to learn for exams. They don’t go around consulting different books.

Grading System

In the O level, the performance of a student in each subject is graded. The grades range from A+ (being the best) to E (being the last considerable grade). Students unable to make through exams are ungraded and are given a ‘U.’

Matric System deals with numbers rather than just awarding grades. Total marks for Matric exams are different in different countries. They get grades on overall performance instead of per subject. A student who scores more than 80 percent marks is awarded an ‘A’ grade.

Examination Pattern

In O level, Cambridge International Education (CIE) takes 2 to 3 papers of a single subject aimed at building skills in creative thinking, inquiry, problem solving, practical skills, and theoretical knowledge.

Matric exams usually have either two papers or two sections under the name of Objective and Subjective testing the theoretical knowledge. There is a practical exam for science subjects also.

Examination Fee

O level is far more expensive than its counterpart. The examination fee for O level is the sum of the individual fee for every subject a student takes. It is more or less 65 pounds per subject, making the total examination fee more than 500 pounds.

Doing matriculation is not heavy on the pocket. It does not cost much, as in the case of O level studies. In Pakistan, a student of matric has to pay an annual fee of around 1000 pkr to 1500 pkr to the board. Besides board fees, a student pays to an institution every month where he studies.

Examination Timings

O level exams take place bi-annually; once in May/June and in November/December for the second time. It allows students to improve their grades within six months.

Matric examination takes place once a year during the spring season. Students willing to improve their marks must wait a whole year before they can appear again for the examinations.

Division of subjects

Both education systems differ in the division of subjects studied per year.

O level study offers eight subjects to the students in Pakistan. Besides these subjects, there are optional subjects for a student which help to enhance the knowledge in different fields.

In matric, a student has to appear in eight subjects, including five compulsory subjects; Mathematics, English, Urdu, Pakistan studies, Islamic studies, and three optional subjects depend on the field; arts or science.

Conclusion

If you want to pursue your higher education abroad, then O level without a doubt is the right choice. But if your future resides within your country, you should opt for the national educational boards.

The selection between both types of education depends on your future plans or career. If you want to become a doctor, then matriculation will be fine because both education types offer similar science subjects. Choosing matriculation will help you to save a lot of money for future education. If you want to be an engineer, then O level will be a good option as it provides a curriculum with challenging math along with other subjects. Summing up the whole idea, success in any field requires hard work. You can acquire skills from any of the education type, but you have to be true to yourself. If you work hard and are passionate about achieving the goal, only then you can secure your career to make a place in the society.