A final decision has been taken to conduct board examinations for class 5 and class 8 in all government schools from 2026.
Following the announcement, the schedule for admission forms and exams has also been released.
According to the issued circular, admission forms for the annual exams will be accepted from November 3 to November 15, 2025.
The Class 5 exams will begin on February 9, 2026, while Class 8 exams will be held from February 16 to 24, 2026. Results will be announced on March 31.
The responsibility has been handed over to the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), replacing the Punjab Examination Commission.
A PECTA spokesperson said these exams were necessary to prepare students for board patterns before they reach Class 9.
However, teacher unions have rejected the move, terming it a failed experiment attempted twice before. Leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja said exempting private schools will push students from government schools to drop out or shift to private institutions, particularly girls who fail the Class 8 exam.
