According to the notification, Matric exams will start on March 3, 2026, while intermediate exams will begin on May 5.

The announcement comes after the department approved the revised admission policy, updated school calendar, and syllabus changes for the next academic year.

New textbooks are set to be printed in December, including 29 updated books from class six to matric.

Students will receive free textbooks starting April 5, 2026, with the academic year officially starting on April 1.

For Class 8 students, a board-based exam will begin on February 3, marking a shift toward standardized assessment at lower grades.

Punjab’s education sector continues to face challenges, with rising dropout rates and a growing number of out-of-school children.

In 2025, 28 million children were out of school, and this number is expected to cross 30 million in 2026.

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The new exam schedule and textbook updates aim to streamline education, but addressing dropout rates remains a pressing concern.

Students and parents are advised to prepare early and stay updated on the latest academic policies.