PSAC: D-Day for 14,837 Students

The Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC) examinations kick off this Tuesday morning across Mauritius. A total of 14,837 candidates, including 7,165 girls, will take part in this crucial session as they prepare to transition to secondary school. The exams will continue until Friday, October 31, according to the schedule set by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES).

Results are expected to be published on Thursday, December 11. The 2024 cohort has recorded a pass rate of 76.66%, compared to 77.47% in 2023.

This year, the MES has received over 230 requests for "special consideration" for students with specific needs. Of these requests, 90 candidates will be provided with a reader, 82 will use a reader/scribe, and 37 will receive enlarged questionnaires.

Marking will begin on November 11.

Several schools have been designated as marking centers: Phoenix Government School for English, E. Rochecouste Government School for Mathematics, L. Nellan Government School for French, Sir V. Rangadoo Government School for History and Geography, Baichoo Madhoo Government School for Sciences, and R. Ollier Government School for Asian languages, Arabic, and Mauritian Creole. Nearly 2,000 individuals are mobilized to ensure the smooth running of the examinations and marking.

The PSAC evaluation system is set to undergo a major reform starting in 2026. From this year, subjects such as Science and History-Geography, previously assessed in Grade 5, will now be tested at the end of primary schooling alongside other disciplines.

For the 2026 edition, authorities plan to introduce a nine-level grading scale to better reflect student performance. The traditional "A" grade (75-100 points) will be replaced with a more detailed scale, including grades A (90-100 points), A (80-89 points), B (70-79 points), and so on, up to nine distinct levels.

This new grading system will allow for a more nuanced understanding of results, facilitating admission to secondary schools. It will also provide parents with better insight into their child's actual level, enabling them to make a more informed choice for secondary school enrollment.