Punjab Education Department Finalizes 2025-26 Academic Schedule & Exam Updates

The Punjab Education Department has officially announced the academic schedule for the upcoming year. Classes for the 2025-26 session will commence on April 1, 2025. The current academic session (2024-25) will conclude with annual exams scheduled between March 04 and March 20, 2025. The new academic plan brings key changes, particularly in the matriculation syllabus and marking scheme, aiming to improve educational standards.

Key Highlights

• Academic Year 2025-26: Begins on April 1, 2025

• Annual Exams (2024-25): March 04 – March 20, 2025

• Result Announcement: Last week of March 2025

• Matriculation Syllabus Changes: Revised marking scheme for Islamic Studies and Pakistan Studies

• New Marking Scheme:

  • Islamic Studies: 100 Marks (Previously 50) – Exam in 9th Grade

  • Pakistan Studies: 100 Marks (Previously 50) – Exam in 10th Grade

• New Textbooks: Updated syllabus incorporated; printing underway

Examination Schedule

The Punjab Education Department has set the following schedule for the upcoming annual exams:

With over 6.5 million students from 42,000+ government schools participating in the annual exams, authorities have assured smooth conduct of examinations across Punjab.

Changes in Matriculation Marking Scheme

A significant update in the academic curriculum involves changes in the marking scheme for two major subjects:

1. Islamic Studies (Islamiat) – 9th Grade

• Previous Total Marks: 50

• New Total Marks: 100

• To be examined in Grade 9

2. Pakistan Studies – 10th Grade

• Previous Total Marks: 50

• New Total Marks: 100

• To be examined in Grade 10

Rationale Behind Changes

Education officials believe these updates will: Provide students with a deeper understanding of these subjects

• Enhance overall academic standards

• Ensure comprehensive learning rather than rote memorization

• Align with modern education policies for a structured curriculum

New Textbooks and Syllabus Update

To align with these changes, the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has revised the syllabus and textbooks. The updated textbooks are currently being printed and will be available before the start of the new session.

Impact on Students & Teachers

• Students: The increased marks mean greater weightage for these subjects in overall results, emphasizing their importance.

• Teachers: Required to adjust teaching strategies to cover extended syllabi effectively.

• Examination Authorities: Need to restructure exam papers and assessment criteria accordingly.