All Punjab’s Class 5 & 8 Board Exams Date & Final Announcement
Punjab’s education system is changing. From 2026 onward, government schools in Punjab will start holding board exams for students in Class 5 and Class 8. This is a big shift. The board exams will be organized by a new authority called PECTA (Punjab Education Curriculum, Training & Assessment Authority), which replaces the old PEC (Punjab Examination Commission).
Key Dates & Schedule
Here are the important dates you should know:
| Stage | Date / Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration (admission forms) | Nov 3 – Nov 15, 2025 | Schools will issue forms to students in this time |
| Class 5 Exam | Feb 9, 2026 | A one-day test across Punjab |
| Class 8 Exams | Feb 16 – Feb 24, 2026 | These exams will be held over several days |
| Results | March 31, 2026 | Results for both classes will be declared on the same day |
These exams will apply to government schools only. Private schools are currently exempt and will continue with their internal exams.
Why Introduce These Exams?
Punjab’s education leaders say they want students to get used to board exams earlier, so when they reach Class 9 or 10, they’re more confident.
Also, these exams will help standardize evaluation across all government schools — making sure that all children are measured by the same scale of performance.
Class 8 board exams were previously removed, but they are now being restored after five years.
Concerns & Criticism
Not everyone supports the change. Teachers’ unions argue:
- This has been tried before and did not work well.
- Excluding private schools may put more pressure on government school students.
- Students, especially weaker ones, might drop out if they fail.
- In remote or rural areas, there may be infrastructure or exam center issues.
What Students & Parents Should Do
- Note the registration period (Nov 3–15, 2025) and make sure your school fills forms on time.
- Start preparing early for exams on Feb 9 (Class 5) and Feb 16–24 (Class 8).
- Use past PEC exam papers for practice because syllabus patterns remain similar.
- Stay in touch with your school for details about center, roll number, and exam timing.
- Focus on all subjects, not just strong ones, to ensure passing in every area.
Final Take
The Punjab government is making a major change by bringing board exams to Class 5 and Class 8 in government schools starting in 2026. With scheduled dates for registration, exams, and results, students now have a clearer path. While there are challenges and criticisms, if implemented carefully, this could help standardize learning and prepare students better for future grades.
