Rawalpindi (September 2025) – The Punjab government has confirmed that Class 5 and Class 8 board exams will officially be held across government schools starting in 2026. The decision marks a major shift in the province’s education system, aiming to better prepare students for board-style assessments before entering higher grades.
Official Schedule for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams 2026
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Admission Form Submission: November 3 – November 15, 2025
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Class 5 Exams Start Date: February 9, 2026
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Class 8 Exams Start Date: February 16 – February 24, 2026
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Result Announcement: March 31, 2026
The examinations will be conducted under the supervision of the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), which has now replaced the Punjab Examination Commission as the organizing body.
Purpose of Introducing Board Exams at Class 5 & 8
According to PECTA officials, the decision has been taken to:
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Introduce students to formal board-style exams earlier in their academic journey.
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Help children adapt to standardized testing methods before entering secondary school.
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Improve overall learning assessment in government schools.
This move, the government believes, will bring greater consistency in evaluating student performance across Punjab.
Teachers’ Concerns and Criticism
While the government views this as a step forward, teacher unions have expressed strong reservations.
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Education leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja argue that the initiative has been tried twice before without success.
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They criticized the exclusion of private schools, claiming it puts extra burden on government school students.
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Concerns were also raised that many children, particularly girls from rural areas, may face higher dropout risks if they fail the Class 8 board exam.
Key Takeaways for Students & Parents
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Government school students of Class 5 and 8 must prepare for board-style exams from 2026.
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Private schools are exempt, meaning their students will continue with internal examinations.
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Results will be declared by March 31, 2026, providing clarity ahead of admissions to higher classes.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Class 5 and 8 board exams in Punjab is one of the biggest education reforms of recent years. While authorities believe it will improve academic standards, teacher unions fear it could increase pressure on young students.
As the registration window opens in November 2025, parents and schools must prepare their children to adjust to the new system. The success of this policy will largely depend on how fairly and efficiently the exams are conducted across the province.
FAQs – Punjab Class 5 & 8 Board Exams 2026
Q1: When will the Class 5 board exams start?
February 9, 2026.
Q2: What are the dates for Class 8 board exams?
From February 16 to February 24, 2026.
Q3: Who will conduct the exams?
PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority).
Q4: When will the results be announced?
On March 31, 2026.
Q5: Are private school students included?
No, the policy applies only to government schools.