The Punjab School Education Department has confirmed the annual examination dates for students from Class 1 to Class 7 under the newly approved academic framework for 2026. As per the latest notification, exams will be held between March 10 and March 22, giving schools sufficient time to complete academic activities and finalize assessments.
Officials also announced that results will be issued on March 31, ensuring students and parents receive report cards before the start of the new academic session.
New Admission Policy and Updated School Calendar Approved
The examination timetable is part of a wider set of reforms recently endorsed by the department. These include:
- A revised admission policy for the 2026 session
- A newly structured school calendar
- Updated syllabi for several grades
Furthermore, the department is preparing revised learning materials, including 29 updated textbooks for Classes 6 to 10. These books are expected to be sent for printing in December 2025, so they can be distributed before the new session begins.
The aim is to provide students with modern, relevant, and improved academic content.
New Academic Year Starts April 1; Free Textbooks From April 5
The provincial government has set April 1, 2026, as the official start of the next academic year. To support students across Punjab, free textbooks will be handed out from April 5.
Schools will receive clear instructions to ensure timely distribution, particularly in areas where families rely heavily on government-provided educational materials.
Rising Concerns Over Learning Loss and Out-of-School Children
Despite improved academic planning, Punjab’s education system continues to face serious challenges. Reports indicate that over 28 million children were out of school in 2025, and this figure may surpass 30 million in 2026 if immediate action is not taken.
Experts warn that economic hardships, lack of support at home, and weak educational infrastructure are major contributors to this growing crisis.
Enrollment Decline, Especially Among Girls
Officials highlight a particularly troubling trend: a steady drop in school enrollment, with girls being the most affected. Many children are leaving school to work in hotels, workshops, shops, and other informal sectors to support their families. Financial pressure, limited awareness, and social constraints are among the key reasons driving children—especially girls—away from classrooms.
Although the government has introduced awareness programs and incentives to bring children back to school, the issue remains widespread.
Steps to Enhance Learning Quality
To strengthen early-year education, the department is introducing new curriculum standards, teacher training plans, and improved assessment methods. The focus is on building stronger reading, writing, and numeracy skills among students in the foundational classes.
Upcoming board-based assessments for higher grades are also expected to encourage schools to adopt more consistent and high-quality teaching practices.
Moving Toward a More Structured Education System
With final exam dates, new textbooks, a revised admission policy, and a clearly defined school calendar, Punjab is taking significant steps to organize and stabilize the academic system for 2026. However, education experts emphasize that long-term, consistent efforts are essential to tackle issues such as dropout rates, learning gaps, and limited access to quality education.
