Dates Announced for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams in Punjab
The Punjab Education authorities have officially announced that starting in 2026, board-level examinations will be conducted for Class 5 and Class 8 students in government schools. Registration for the annual exams will be open from November 3 to November 15, 2025, giving parents and schools ample time to enrol students before the early-year testing.
According to the schedule:
- Class 5 exams will begin on February 9, 2026.
- Class 8 exams will run from February 16 to February 24, 2026.
- Results for both classes are scheduled for March 31, 2026.
These exams will be conducted by the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), which has now taken over responsibilities from the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC).
Teacher unions have expressed concerns, noting past challenges with similar reforms and warning that government-school students may face increased pressure while private schools remain exempt.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Dates | November 3 – November 15, 2025 |
| Class 5 Exam Start | February 9, 2026 |
| Class 8 Exam Dates | February 16 – February 24, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 31, 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | PECTA |
| Applicable Schools | Government schools (private schools exempt) |
| Objective | Early board-level exposure for younger students |
| Opposition | Teacher unions highlight past failures and equity concerns |
Exam Registration and Processing
What schools and parents need to do
- Complete and submit the student admission form between Nov 3 and Nov 15, 2025.
- Provide accurate student information: name, class (5 or 8), school registration, and any required documents.
- Track roll number issuance and exam centre allocation.
- Ensure students are familiar with the board exam format and prepare using mock tests and previous papers.
Key Points for Students and Parents
- The exams introduce board-style assessment at earlier grades, helping students become familiar with formal examination procedures before higher classes.
- Private schools are exempt, meaning only government-school students are affected, which raises concerns about fairness and additional pressure.
- Results for both classes will be released on March 31, 2026, allowing smooth academic planning for progression to the next grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does registration close for Class 5 and Class 8 exams?
Registration closes on November 15, 2025.
Q2. When will the results be announced?
Results are scheduled for March 31, 2026.
Q3. Do private-school students need to appear in these board exams?
No — the requirement applies only to government schools. Private schools are exempt.
Q4. Who is responsible for conducting the exams?
The exams will be organized by PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority).
Q5. What if a student misses the registration window?
Parents should immediately contact the school administration to check if any late submission or exemption is possible according to official policy.
Conclusion
The introduction of board exams for Class 5 and Class 8 in Punjab represents a major shift in the province’s education-assessment framework. With registration opening in November 2025 and exams starting in February 2026, parents, students, and schools must coordinate to complete forms on time and prepare for the board-style exams.
While this initiative aims to raise academic standards and better prepare students for higher grades, the exemption of private schools and concerns raised by teacher unions highlight the need for careful implementation, sensitivity to student pressure, and fairness across all sch
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