Punjab Announces Examination Schedule for Classes 1 to 7 for 2026. The Punjab Education Department has officially released the annual examination schedule for students of Classes 1 to 7 under its newly approved academic plan for the year 2026. The announcement outlines key dates for exams, results, admissions, and the distribution of free textbooks across government schools.
Exam Dates Confirmed for Primary and Middle Classes
According to the notification, the annual exams for Classes 1 to 7 will be held from:
- March 10, 2026 – Start of examinations
- March 22, 2026 – Completion of exams
The department has confirmed that the results will be announced on March 31, 2026, allowing schools to complete academic activities before the new session begins.
Revised Admission Policy and New School Calendar Approved
Along with the exam dates, education officials have approved several important policy updates for the upcoming academic year. These include:
- A revised admission policy
- A new academic calendar applicable across all government schools
- Updates in the syllabus for primary, middle, and matric classes
To support these changes, the department has finalized 29 new or updated textbooks for Classes 6 to 10. These books are expected to be printed and ready by December 2025.
New Academic Year to Begin on April 1, 2026
The Punjab Education Department has announced that the new academic year will start on April 1, 2026.
Free textbooks will be distributed in government schools starting from April 5, 2026, ensuring students receive learning materials on time.
Punjab’s Growing Learning Crisis Raises Concerns
Despite policy improvements, officials have highlighted increasing challenges in the province’s education system. In the 2025 session:
- More than 28 million children were out of school, a number expected to exceed 30 million in 2026.
- Enrollment rates have continued to drop, especially among girls.
- Many children are leaving school early to work in restaurants, workshops, markets, and other informal sectors to support their families.
Education authorities have expressed serious concern over this trend and have stressed the need for stronger measures to bring and keep children in schoolsAirports and Other Sectors Also Undergoing Improvements
Conclusion
The new exam schedule for Classes 1 to 7 marks an important step in Punjab’s academic planning for 2026. With confirmed exam dates, updated textbooks, and a structured school calendar, the government aims to improve learning outcomes. However, rising dropout rates and millions of out-of-school children remain major challenges that require urgent attention and stronger educational reforms.
