The Punjab Education Department has released the confirmed dates for the 2026 matric and intermediate examinations. As per the notification, matric exams will begin on March 3, 2026, while intermediate exams are set to start on May 5, 2026.
This early announcement has provided much-needed clarity for students, teachers, and schools, allowing them to prepare in a timely and organized manner.
Officials say that sharing the schedule in advance is part of the government’s effort to streamline the academic year and avoid the usual uncertainty faced by students.
Revised Admission Policy & Updated School Calendar Approved
Along with the exam dates, the department has finalized several significant changes for the upcoming academic session. These include:
- A new and revised admission policy
- An updated school calendar for all classes
- Adjustments in the syllabus for multiple grade levels
In addition, the department has completed preparations for printing new textbooks. A total of 29 books from Class 6 to Matric have been completely redesigned and updated. Printing will take place in December 2025, ensuring all books are available before the new term begins.
Authorities state that these updates are an important part of modernizing the curriculum to match current educational standards.
New Academic Year to Begin on April 1 – Free Books from April 5
Punjab has also confirmed that the academic year 2026 will officially start on April 1 throughout the province.
As per routine, the government will distribute free textbooks, and the process will begin on April 5.
Schools will receive clear instructions to make sure the distribution takes place smoothly so students can begin classes without any delays.
Board Exams for Class 8 to Start on February 3
Another major decision is the introduction of board-based examinations for Class 8, which will commence on February 3, 2026.
This move is part of Punjab’s shift toward standardized assessments, aimed at ensuring equal evaluation standards for students across the province.
Experts believe that early board testing will help teachers identify weaknesses earlier, ultimately improving students’ matric exam performance in the coming years.
Education Challenges Continue to Rise
Despite new policies and improved planning, Punjab’s education system continues to face major difficulties.
The number of out-of-school children is still increasing at an alarming rate.
In 2025, the province recorded 28 million out-of-school children, and experts fear the total may exceed 30 million by 2026 if immediate action is not taken.
Key reasons behind this crisis include:
- High dropout rates
- Limited school access in rural and remote areas
- Financial challenges faced by families
Officials claim that multiple strategies are being prepared to increase enrollment, support poor households, and upgrade school facilities. However, education specialists say that long-term reforms and higher funding will be necessary to control the situation.
A Year of Major Changes Ahead
With new textbooks, revised policies, early exam schedules, and standardized assessments, 2026 is expected to be a transformative year for Punjab’s education sector.
The government hopes these reforms will help improve learning quality and bring more stability to the overall academic structure.
