Rawalpindi: The Punjab Education Department (PED) has announced the schedule for Class 5 and Class 8 board examinations set for 2026. This decision aims to prepare students for formal assessments ahead of their secondary education.
The Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA) will conduct these exams, replacing the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC).
According to a report from a local news agency, admission forms for the Pindi board annual exams will be accepted from November 3 to 15, 2025.
Key Exam Dates for 2026:
- Class 5 exams will begin on February 9, 2026.
- Class 8 exams will be held from February 16 to 24, 2026.
- Results for both classes will be announced on the traditional date of March 31, 2026.
This move has been met with criticism from teacher unions. The Express Tribune reported, “Teacher unions have rejected the move, terming it a failed experiment attempted twice before.” Union leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja expressed concern that exempting private schools would put extra pressure on government school students, potentially causing a decline in enrollment.
The government maintains that the new policy will improve academic standards and prepare students for their matriculation exams.
