KARACHI - Institute of Bankers Pakistan said that only 381 candidates belonging to banks and other financial institutions cleared the IBA Superior Qualification examination in which a huge number of 2,621 candidates participated. The Institute of Bankers Pakistan Superior Qualification (ISQ) Examination Winter 2008, held in November 2008, duly approved by the IBP Council headed by Governor State Bank of Pakistan. The ISQ is a continuous route to professional development. The examination was held at 20 domestic and 2 international centres simultaneously. A total of 2621 candidates from banks and financial institutions appeared for the examination. Of them, ill were able to clear various stages. A total of 43 candidates completed Junior Associateship of IBP (JAIBP) increasing the total to 256 since 2006 when ISQ system was introduced. The overall pass percentage was 15pc, which is in line with the previous years' results. The candidates qualified for the award of Associateship (AIBP), the next higher qualification, which brings the total of AIBPs to seven. Interestingly, 42pc candidates who appeared for the ISQ examinations were MBAs whereas 12pc were Master Degree holders. Others who appeared in the examination were either CAs, ACMA or simple Graduates.