Punjab Announces Official Dates for 2026 Matric and Inter Exams. The Punjab Education Department has officially released the annual examination dates for matric and intermediate students for the 2026 academic session. The announcement comes after key updates to the school calendar, syllabus, and admission policy were approved for the upcoming year.
Matric and Inter Exams 2026
Students enrolled in matric (Class 9 & 10) and intermediate (Class 11 & 12) programs can now begin preparing according to the confirmed schedule:
- Matric Exams 2026: Starting from March 3, 2026
- Intermediate Exams 2026: Starting from May 5, 2026
These dates apply across all BISE boards in Punjab, ensuring a unified examination timeline.
Important Academic Updates for 2026
Along with announcing examination dates, the Punjab Education Department also finalized several academic reforms, including:
1. Revised Admission Policy
A new admission policy for schools has been approved to streamline student enrollment and maintain transparency across institutions.
2. Updated School Calendar
The revised academic calendar places emphasis on earlier exam preparation, improved teaching schedules, and timely syllabus completion.
3. New Textbooks for Students
For the 2026 academic year, 29 new textbooks from classes six to matric will be introduced. These books are set to be printed in December 2025, allowing schools to prepare in advance.
Academic Year Starting From April 2026
Punjab’s new academic year will officially begin on:
- April 1, 2026
Free textbooks will be distributed in all government schools starting from:
- April 5, 2026
This early distribution aims to help students and teachers start the year smoothly without delays in learning materials.
Class 8 Board Exams to Begin on February 3
One of the major changes for 2026 is the introduction of board-based examinations for Class 8. These exams will begin on February 3, 2026, marking a shift toward more standardized testing across the province.
Rising Education Challenges in Punjab
Despite continuous policy improvements, Punjab’s education sector faces serious challenges. The province reported:
- 28 million out-of-school children in 2025
- The number is expected to cross 30 million by 2026
These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen enrollment, improve school retention, and address the causes behind rising dropout rates.
Conclusion
The official exam schedule for Punjab’s 2026 matric and intermediate exams gives students ample time to prepare. With new textbooks, an updated academic calendar, and standardized assessments, the province aims to improve the overall quality of education. However, tackling the growing number of out-of-school children remains a top priority for the government in the coming years.
