Punjab Announces Matric & Inter Exam Dates for 2026. The Punjab Education Department has officially announced the examination schedule for matric and intermediate classes for the 2026 academic year. Students, teachers, and parents can now plan their preparations as the department has finalized the dates along with major updates in the academic calendar, syllabus, and textbook distribution.
This announcement comes as Punjab continues to reform the education system while addressing serious challenges such as rising dropout rates and millions of out-of-school children.
Matric and Intermediate Exam Schedule 2026
The finalized exam dates for the upcoming academic year are as follows:
Matric (Class 9 & 10) Exams 2026
- Starting Date: March 3, 2026
Intermediate (1st Year & 2nd Year) Exams 2026
- Starting Date: May 5, 2026
These dates have been approved after reviewing the updated admission policies and the new academic calendar.
Major Announcements for the 2026 Academic Year
The Punjab Education Department has implemented several key changes that will directly impact students and schools across the province.
1. Revised Admission Policy Approved
The department has updated the admission rules to ensure smoother enrollment procedures for the upcoming session.
2. Updated School Calendar for 2026
A refreshed calendar has been approved to adjust exam schedules, term breaks, and academic activities.
3. Syllabus Amendments Finalized
Several adjustments have been made to the curriculum to align with modern learning standards.
4. New Textbooks to Be Printed in December
A total of 29 textbooks—from Class 6 to Matric—will be replaced with newly developed versions.
This step aims to improve the learning experience and ensure the content meets updated education goals.
Start of the 2026 Academic Year
The new school year will officially begin on:
- April 1, 2026
Students across Punjab will receive free textbooks starting from April 5, ensuring that all children have equal learning opportunities.
Class 8 Board Exams from February 3
In a significant policy shift towards standardized assessment, Class 8 students will now appear in a board-based exam starting on February 3, 2026.
This change is part of Punjab’s long-term plan to improve academic evaluation from middle grades onward.
Education Challenges Remain a Concern
Despite policy improvements, Punjab continues to struggle with serious educational challenges:
- 28 million out-of-school children recorded in 2025
- The number is expected to cross 30 million in 2026
- Dropout rates continue to rise across multiple districts
- Economic pressure and limited access to schools remain major causes
Education experts warn that unless strong interventions are introduced, the gap in learning outcomes will continue to expand.
What This Means for Students
The early announcement of exam dates gives students a strong head start. With clear timelines for matric and inter exams, and new textbooks arriving on time, students can:
- Prepare schedules earlier
- Focus on revised syllabus
- Use the updated school calendar effectively
Parents and teachers are also encouraged to stay aware of the new policies, especially the Class 8 board exam requirement.
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s announcement of the 2026 matric and intermediate exam schedule brings clarity for millions of students. While the education department is taking important steps—such as updating the syllabus, distributing free books, and expanding standardized assessments—Punjab still faces huge challenges due to rising dropout numbers.
