Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams
The Punjab government has officially announced that Class 5 and Class 8 board exams will be held in government schools from 2026 onwards. The exams will be conducted by PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum, Training & Assessment Authority), replacing the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC). The registration period is in November 2025, exams in February 2026, and results in March 2026. This guide covers everything: schedule, who must appear, how to register, preparation tips, and FAQs.
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Quick Information Table for Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams
| Item | Details |
| Program Name | Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams 2026 (Government Schools) |
| Start / Exam Body | Conducted by PECTA (replacing PEC) |
| Registration Period | Nov 3 – Nov 15, 2025 |
| Class 5 Exam Date | Feb 9, 2026 |
| Class 8 Exam Dates | Feb 16-24, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Who Must Appear | Government school students in Class 5 & 8; private schools are exempt (they continue internal exams) |
| Method of Registration | Through government schools (school administration collects admission forms) during registration period Nov 3-15, 2025 |
Official Schedule & Conducting Authority
PECTA Takes Over, Key Dates
- Authority: The exams will be conducted by PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum, Training & Assessment Authority). This replaces the old Punjab Examination Commission (PEC).
- Registration / Admission Forms: November 3-15, 2025 – Government schools will collect admission forms from their Class 5 & 8 students.
- Class 5 Exams: Scheduled for February 9, 2026. Single day exam format across Punjab for government schools.
- Class 8 Exams: February 16-24, 2026 – spread over several days.
- Results Announcement: March 31, 2026 – province-wide declaration.
Who Must Appear & Who is Exempt
Inclusion
- All students in government schools who are enrolled in Class 5 and Class 8 must sit these board exams. It’s mandatory for them.
Exemptions
- Private schools are exempt. They will continue with their own internal exams and are not required to participate in PECTA board exams for classes 5 & 8.
- Students in government schools must ensure registration; if forms are not submitted, they may not be allowed.
Why This Change Matters
Aims Behind the Policy
- To prepare students early for board-exam style assessments before secondary levels. Helps build confidence for Class 9, 10 exams.
- To standardize evaluation across government schools — ensuring consistent learning outcomes and fair assessment.
- To improve academic accountability in early grades and strengthen education standards. PECTA wants better curriculum alignment and monitoring.
Criticisms & Concerns
- Teacher unions warn that private exemption may put extra pressure on government school students.
- Concern that failing students especially from government schools may become demotivated or drop out, particularly girls.
- Some say similar attempts have been made before (board exams for Class 8) but did not succeed fully.
How to Register & Required Process for Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams
Registration Steps
- During Nov 3-15, 2025, the school administration of government schools will distribute and collect admission / registration forms from Class 5 & 8 students.
- Fill in details: student name, class, school roll number etc. It must be submitted through the school, not individually by parents.
What Documents / Information Are Needed
- Student’s Name, Class, Parent/Guardian details.
- School details including school code/name.
- Roll number or unique ID if provided by school.
- Academic record or previous assessment, if required by school.
- For absentee / change in exam centre cases, any supporting document as demanded by school/PECTA.
Examination Pattern, Syllabus & Grading
Exam Pattern
- For Class 5, likely single day exam covering major subjects like Urdu, English, Mathematics, Islamiat, Pakistan Studies / General Knowledge. (Exact subjects to be confirmed by PECTA through notification in schools.)
- For Class 8, exam window of several days (Feb 16-24, 2026). Each subject will have its own paper on scheduled dates. Subjects similar: Urdu, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, etc.
Syllabus & Curriculum
- Syllabus will align with Punjab’s curriculum that PECTA oversees. Those studying in government schools already follow this curriculum.
- Students should refer to syllabus booklets (available in schools), and old PEC exams / sample papers, as PECTA will likely use similar standards.
Grading & Passing
- The grading and pass/fail criteria will be according to PECTA’s guidelines (likely similar to PEC standards in past) — minimum marks for each subject will be defined in exam notification.
- Students failing one or more subjects may have provision for supplementary / re-examination, depending on PECTA policy (to be announced).
Preparation Tips for Students & Parents
Tips to Get Ready
- Mark key dates in calendar: Nov 3-15 (Registration), Feb 9 (Class 5 Exams), Feb 16-24 (Class 8 Exams), Mar 31 (Results).
- Use past papers / sample papers from PEC to practice similar question styles.
- Study according to subject syllabus. Don’t leave topics till last minute.
Time Management & Exam Readiness
- Practice timed mock tests to get used to exam conditions.
- Make sure students understand all subjects; pay special attention to weak ones.
- Regular revision and reading.
Role of School & Parents
- Schools should guide students, provide practice mocks, and inform students about roll numbers, exam centers.
- Parents should ensure students attend school regularly, complete homework, revise at home.
FAQs- Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams
When do Class 5 exams start?
What is the Class 8 exam window?
Who conducts these exams?
PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum Training & Assessment Authority).
When are results out?
March 31, 2026 for both classes.
Are private schools included?
No. Only government universities must participate. Private universities last with internal/external plan of their own.
How do we register?
Through school administration between Nov 3-15, 2025 by submitting admission / registration forms.
Concerns & Things to Be Aware Of
- Since private schools are exempt, some fear unequal pressure on government school students.
- Students who fail may need to wait or re-appear; how remedial options will be handled is not fully clear yet.
- There may be logistical challenges in rural/remote areas (exam centers, availability of resources).
- Teacher support, syllabus delivery, and school readiness needs to improve for this change to succeed.
Conclusion
The Punjab Announces Dates for Class 5 and 8 Board Exams 2026 scripts a major alteration in how early grade government school valuations are done. With registering arranged for Nov 3-15, 2025, Class 5 exams from Feb 9, 2026, Class 8 exams from Feb 16-24, 2026, and results out on March 31, 2026, students and parents have clear dates to plan.
It’s essential for students in government schools to get listed on time, follow the syllabus, make use of past papers, and prepare steadily. Parents and school administrations should coordinate to safeguard smooth submission of forms, exam readiness, and support for students who struggle. These exams offer early exposure to board‐style testing, helping build exam skills and confidence for higher classes. With proper preparation and planning, students can expression these examinations lacking stress.
