The results of the 2024 annual examinations have been announced by the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB). Ninety-two students have made it to the prestigious AKU-EB High Achievers List, with 60% of the top performers being female. This reflects the Board’s dedication to providing equitable and high-quality education to all.

Every year, the Board recognises outstanding students at both the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) levels with national positions that represent academic achievement. This year, Eisha Mustafa from Sindh (The Froebel’s School, Karachi) was awarded the national position at the SSC level, while Sadia Shafi Muhammad Khuwaja from Sindh (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hyderabad) was awarded the national position at the HSSC level.

“I aspire to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, and AKU-EB has been the foundation of this dream,” said Eisha Mustafa. “The board’s pursuit of excellence, its emphasis on lifelong learning, and its ability to inspire hope have transformed my ambitions into a clear path forward. AKU-EB has given me the confidence and drive to turn my aspirations into reality.”  

Seeing AKU-EB as strong foundation to her education, Sadia Shafi notes that “What sets AKU-EB apart is its unwavering commitment to a holistic approach to learning and assessment, deeply rooted in fairness and integrity. AKU-EB does not just prepare students for higher education—it inspires them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. As I graduate from this system, I realise that true education goes beyond textbooks and exams; it is found in a system that instills hope, nurtures potential, and guides you toward discovering your true purpose.” She has gained admission into AKU Faculty of Arts and Sciences programme.

The board also announced its HSSC first positions at the provincial level. First provincial level overall positions were awarded to Nilam Bahar from Gilgit-Baltistan (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Gahkuch), Aila Asad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Kuragh); Shahzaib Ahmad Shahid from Punjab (Nusrat Jehan Academy Inter College, Chenab Nagar); and Sadia Khuwaja from Sindh (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hyderabad).

At the SSC level, first provincial level overall positions were awarded to Sana Khan from Gilgit-Baltistan (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Gahkuch); Aalleen Zeb Sultan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Chitral); Maliha Zaheer from Punjab (Maryam Siddiqa Girls Higher Secondary School, Chenab Nagar) and Eisha Mustafa from Sindh (The Froebel’s School, Karachi).

Principals from AKU-EB affiliated schools attest to the board’s role in shaping well-rounded students who are ready to face the challenges of higher education and beyond. The Principal of The Froebel’s School, Karachi, remarked, “Since our affiliation with AKU-EB in 2005, we have witnessed firsthand the positive impact AKU-EB approach has had on our students. The emphasis on concept-based learning over rote memorisation has truly enriched our students’ academic journey, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects. The teacher training sessions by AKU-EB has been instrumental in enhancing our teachers’ skills and ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver quality education.”

Similarly, the Principal of Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hyderabad, highlighted the board’s commitment to access, quality and inclusivity stating that “With AKU-EB’s system of assessment, it has been a transformational journey for our school. The expectations set by the board along with our mutual commitment to enhancing the quality of student performance have been the driving force behind our continued success. AKU-EB has enabled us to uphold rigorous standards while fostering an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and excellence. It is through this dynamic and supportive framework that we prepare our students to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond.”

 “We are immensely proud to celebrate the outstanding performance of all our students in the 2024 AKU-EB examinations across Pakistan,” said Dr Naveed Yousuf, CEO, AKU Examination Board. “Their dedication and excellence highlight our ongoing effort to foster educational quality, fair and transparent assessment. This year, we are excited to see many new schools emerging on the list of AKU-EB High Achievers, reflecting their dedication to high standards and continuous improvement. Congratulations to all our students and high achievers for setting a new standard of excellence!”

AKU Examination Board has shown its commitment to excellence beyond national borders. In 2024, the Board was recognised by the International Association for Education Assessment (IAEA) for its contribution to the development on International Standards for Educational Assessment. These standards, now adopted globally, set benchmarks for best practices in educational assessments, reinforcing AKU-EB’s thought leadership and its dedication to upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency in education.

The impact of AKU-EB’s rigorous assessment process is evident in the success of its students beyond secondary education. According to the AKU-EB University Destination Survey, which achieved a 100% response rate, an impressive 91% of AKU-EB graduates have secured admissions to both national and international universities. These students have been accepted into the top 15 universities in Pakistan, as well as over 100 prestigious institutions around the world. This outcome highlights AKU-EB’s role in not only preparing students for academic success but also enabling them to pursue higher education at leading institutions globally.

The 2024 examination results show that AKU-EB qualifications nurture talent and build a strong educational foundation for students to thrive academically and aim for excellence. As these students take their next steps towards a bright future, the Aga Khan University Examination Board remains committed to providing access to quality education for every student ensuring that they are equipped to excel beyond the classroom.