The intermediate education is considered a part of:

The intermediate education is considered a part of: (a) School education (b) College education (c) University education (d) None ✅ Correct option: (b) College education Explanation (200+ words) In Pakistan, intermediate education (Classes XI–XII) is officially considered a part of college education. After completing matric (SSC), students leave school and enroll in government or private colleges, which offer FA, FSc, ICS, ICom, and Humanities programs. Although some higher secondary schools also offer intermediate classes, the level itself falls under the college sector, administered by provincial Higher Education Departments (HED). Intermediate education serves as a bridge between school and university. Students choose specialized academic streams like Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, Commerce, Humanities, and Computer Science. These two years prepare them for entry into universities, medical colleges, engineering institutions, and professional programs. At this stage, teaching faculty typically holds Master’s or M.Phil qualifications, highlighting the academic transition from school-level teachers to more specialized lecturers. The examinations of intermediate education are conducted by the Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (BISE), not by schools or universities. Because of its structural placement in the education system, intermediate is treated as the first tier of college education, making option (b) accurate. 10 Facts for PPSC 1. Intermediate = Classes XI–XII. 2. Administered by provincial Higher Education Departments. 3. Exams conducted by BISE. 4. Taught mostly in colleges. 5. Certificate awarded = HSSC. 6. Age group approx. 16–18 years. 7. Offers multiple streams (Pre-Medical, ICS, FA, etc.). 8. Teachers are called College Lecturers. 9. Required for university admission. 10. Introduced formally under 1972 Education Policy.