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KARACHI — The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) has celebrated its High Achievers of 2026 under the theme The Light Within, recognising students whose academic achievements reflect their dedication, potential and ambitions.
The ceremony also marked a milestone on the Board’s journey towards its Silver Jubilee in 2027. AKU-EB will celebrate 25 years of advancing educational quality, strengthening assessment practices and expanding access to higher education opportunities across Pakistan.
More than 26,000 students appeared in AKU-EB examinations in 2026. The Board recognised 124 national and regional high achievers, including two national position holders, one each at the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) levels. More than 450 additional students received recognition for outstanding performance in individual subjects.
Dr Naveed Yousuf, CEO of AKU-EB, welcomed Chief Guest Professor Dr Huma Baqai, Rector of the Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MiTE), and Guest of Honour Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, CEO of the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC).
Donors, educators, parents and students also attended the ceremony.
Professor Dr Huma Baqai praised the students for their achievements and the skills they had developed beyond the classroom.
“These students deserve to be celebrated not only for their academic achievements, but also for the skills they have developed to succeed beyond school,” she said. “I am confident that these young achievers are well equipped to take this next step and embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Hafsa Bugti, the national high achiever at the HSSC level from IBA Community College, Khairpur, highlighted the importance of improving educational opportunities in underserved areas.
“There are brilliant minds across interior Sindh whose potential is immense,” she said.
“Greater access to quality schools and strong examination systems that uphold high standards of assessment could unlock that potential, expand merit-based opportunities and empower young people to compete confidently on the international stage.”
Her remarks highlighted the importance of equitable access to quality education and credible assessment systems in helping students reach their potential.
AKU-EB’s annual University Destination Survey indicates that 90 per cent of its HSSC graduates gain admission to universities.
According to the Board, its graduates have progressed to more than 200 international universities, while approximately half attend leading higher education institutions in Pakistan.
In 2026, AKU-EB also awarded 540 merit- and need-based scholarships across the country. These scholarships help students access quality education and pursue their academic goals.
The figures reflect the Board’s efforts to support students beyond examinations by expanding educational opportunities and helping them progress to higher studies.
Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah recognised AKU-EB’s contribution to educational assessment and improvement in Pakistan.
“AKU-EB stands among the credible examination boards in Pakistan and beyond, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality-driven assessment,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of examinations in shaping teaching methods and student learning.
“AKU-EB demonstrates how assessment can become a powerful driver of educational improvement. What examinations reward shapes how teachers teach and how students learn. The real strength of an examination board lies not in the number of candidates it examines, but in the quality, credibility and educational value of its assessment. By prioritising conceptual understanding, critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge over rote memorisation, AKU-EB offers valuable lessons for Pakistan’s wider education system.”
Established by Aga Khan University in 2002, AKU-EB emphasises conceptual understanding, critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge.
Its approach aims to move students beyond rote memorisation and prepare them for higher education and real-world challenges. Through its assessment practices and educational initiatives, the Board seeks to support stronger teaching methods and deeper learning.
Dr Naveed Yousuf said the students’ achievements highlighted the importance of nurturing talent and expanding access to quality education.
“As we celebrate our students across Pakistan, we are reminded of our responsibility to continue strengthening access to quality education and to prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
“Their achievements are a source of pride, but also a reminder of what becomes possible when learning is purposeful and potential is nurtured.”
As AKU-EB approaches its Silver Jubilee in 2027, the Board continues to emphasise credible assessment, student achievement and educational opportunities for learners across Pakistan.
