The Punjab Education Department has officially finalized the annual examination schedule for students of classes 1 to 7 under the province’s newly approved academic plan for 2026. According to the announcement, the exams will take place from March 10 to March 22, giving schools enough time to prepare and organize assessment activities.
The department also confirmed that results will be announced on March 31, allowing students and parents to get their performance reports before the start of the next academic session.
Revised Admission Policy and Updated School Calendar Approved
The exam schedule is part of a broader set of changes approved by the Education Department. Officials have signed off on:
- A revised admission policy for 2026
- A new school calendar
- Updated syllabus for multiple grades
In addition, the department is preparing updated textbooks, including 29 newly replaced books for classes 6 to matric. These books are expected to go for printing in December 2025, ensuring they are ready for the new academic year.
These updates are intended to modernize the learning material and provide students with improved educational resources.
New Academic Year Begins April 1 With Free Textbooks
Punjab has set April 1, 2026, as the official start date for the new academic year across provincial schools. To support students and encourage school attendance, the government will distribute free textbooks starting April 5.
Schools will receive guidelines to ensure that the distribution is done smoothly and on time, especially in areas where students heavily depend on government-provided learning materials.
Growing Concerns About Learning Loss and Dropouts
Despite the structured academic planning, Punjab’s education sector continues to face significant challenges. Officials reported that more than 28 million children were out of school in 2025, and the number is expected to go beyond 30 million in 2026 if urgent steps are not taken.
These numbers highlight the severity of the education crisis in the province. Many experts say that the rise in out-of-school children is a result of both economic pressures and weak educational support systems.
Declining Enrollment, Especially Among Girls
One worrying trend is the continued decline in school enrollment, particularly among girls. Officials revealed that many young children—especially girls—are leaving school to work in restaurants, workshops, shops, and other informal workplaces. Financial struggles, lack of awareness, and cultural barriers also play major roles in pushing children out of the classroom.
Authorities say that the government is trying to address these issues through awareness campaigns, improved school facilities, and better incentives for families, but the problem remains widespread.
Efforts to Improve Learning Quality
The Education Department stated that it is making efforts to strengthen early-grade learning because classes 1 to 7 form the foundation of a child’s education. Updated curriculum guidelines, teacher training programs, and new assessment systems are being introduced to help students develop stronger reading, writing, and mathematical skills.
The upcoming board-based testing for higher classes is also expected to encourage schools to adopt more standardized teaching practices.
A Step Toward a Better Academic Structure
With clear exam dates, new academic guidelines, updated textbooks, and a defined school calendar, Punjab is trying to bring stability and structure to its education system for 2026. However, experts believe that long-term efforts will be needed to overcome the challenges of dropout rates, poor learning levels, and lack of access to quality schools.
