The Punjab Education Department has finalized the annual examination schedule for classes 1 to 7 as part of its newly approved academic plan for 2026.
The department confirmed that exams for these grades will take place from March 10 to March 22, and results will be released on March 31.
Officials also approved the revised admission policy, the new school calendar, and updates to the syllabus for the upcoming academic year. The updated textbooks, including 29 replacements for classes six to matric, will go to print in December.
The new academic year is set to begin on April 1, 2026, with free textbooks scheduled for distribution in government schools from April 5.
Education officials warned that Punjab continues to face severe learning challenges. More than 28 million children were out of school during the 2025 session, a number expected to cross 30 million next year.
The department said declining enrollment, especially among girls, remains a growing concern, as many underage children are leaving school to work in restaurants, workshops, and other informal sectors.
Class 8 model papers December