The Punjab Education Department has officially released the annual examination schedule for students of classes 1 to 7 under the newly approved academic plan for 2026. The announcement marks an important step in preparing schools, teachers, and families for the upcoming academic year. The department aims to ensure clarity, timely planning, and early availability of textbooks across all government institutions.
Exam Dates and New Academic Framework
According to the department, the annual exams for classes 1 to 7 will be held from March 10 to March 22, 2026. The results are scheduled for release on March 31, allowing schools enough time to complete academic activities before the next session begins.
The new academic year will start on April 1, 2026, and free textbooks will be distributed in government schools from April 5, ensuring that students have all essential learning materials at the beginning of the session. The Education Department has also confirmed significant updates to the syllabus, including 29 newly revised or replaced textbooks for classes six to matric. These updated books will be printed in December as part of the revised educational plan.
Officials further approved a new admission policy and a complete school calendar for 2026. These changes aim to streamline administrative procedures and support better academic planning across the province.
Enrollment Crisis and Learning Challenges
Despite these improvements, education officials expressed concern over the province’s ongoing learning crisis. Punjab continues to struggle with severe educational challenges, with more than 28 million children out of school during the 2025 session. This number is expected to exceed 30 million in 2026, raising serious alarms for policymakers and education advocates.
The department noted that declining enrollment rates, especially among girls, are becoming increasingly troubling. Many young children, particularly from low-income families, are leaving school early to work in restaurants, workshops, and other informal sectors. Officials stressed the urgent need for targeted policies to address dropouts, improve access, and ensure safer learning environments for vulnerable students.
