Punjab has approved a separate religious curriculum for non-Muslim students for the first time, marking a significant step toward inclusive education in the province.
The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Authority (PCTB) has issued a notification confirming the introduction of new religious textbooks starting from the academic session 2026–27.
Under the new policy, students from minority communities will be taught religious education according to their respective faiths. Officials said the initiative aims to promote educational inclusion and provide students with learning aligned with their beliefs.
According to details, Christian students from Grades 1 to 9 and 11 will study “Christian Education” as a dedicated subject. Hindu students in Grades 1 to 3 will be taught textbooks titled “Sanatan Dharma.”
Similarly, Sikh students will study “Sikh Dharma” textbooks for Grades 1 to 3. For the first time, a curriculum for the Kalasha community titled “Kalasha Education” has also been introduced.
In addition, Buddhist students will study “Buddhism” textbooks for Grades 1 to 3, while Zoroastrian students will follow a “Zoroastrianism” curriculum from Grade 1 to 5.
PCTB officials stated that the decision aims to ensure that minority students receive religious education in line with their beliefs, while strengthening educational inclusion across Punjab.
The approved curriculum will be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session onward. The notification has been circulated to all education boards, district education authorities, and relevant institutions for enforcement.
This is Excellent.