The government has officially announced that board examinations for Grade 5 and Grade 8 will begin from the academic year 2026. As part of this implementation, the schedule for the submission of admission forms has also been released. According to the notification, admission forms will be accepted between November 3 and November 15, 2025.

As per the announced examination schedule, Grade 5 board exams will start on February 9, 2026, while Grade 8 exams will take place from February 16 to February 24, 2026. The results for both classes will be declared on March 31, 2026, ensuring that students can proceed to the next academic level without delay.

Previously, these assessments were organized by the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC). However, starting in 2026, the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA) will be responsible for conducting these exams. According to the education department, this step is aimed at exposing students to a formal examination environment early in their academic journey and improving the overall quality of education. Despite the stated goals, several teachers’ unions have voiced serious concerns. They strongly oppose the decision to include only public school students in these board exams, while private school students remain exempt, calling it a discriminatory and unjust policy.

Union representatives fear this could lead to increased educational inequality. Moreover, there is concern that female students, particularly in rural or underserved areas, may drop out if they fail the Grade 8 exams, which could widen the gender gap in education.

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Teachers have demanded the introduction of a uniform education policy to ensure equal academic standards for all students. They also warn that the pressure of early board exams might negatively affect students’ mental well-being rather than support educational improvement.