Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced a significant revision to the examination schedule for matric and intermediate students, introducing a major change from the previously released timetable. The updated plan reflects the government’s efforts to provide students with a more conducive environment for exam preparation.
According to the minister, both matric and intermediate board examinations will now be conducted after Ramadan and Eid. This adjustment moves the annual exams beyond the holy month, allowing students to focus better on their studies without the added challenge of fasting. The revised schedule aims to reduce stress and create a more suitable academic atmosphere for students across the province.
Under the new plan, matriculation exams are expected to commence around March 24, 2026, while intermediate examinations will follow shortly afterward. This marks a clear shift from the original dates issued by the Punjab Education Department just over a week earlier, which had scheduled matric exams to begin on March 3, 2026, and intermediate exams to start on May 5, 2026.
The decision to reschedule has been widely welcomed by students and parents alike, as it aligns exam preparation with a period of better physical and mental readiness. Authorities emphasized that the post-Ramadan timing will help students concentrate fully on their studies and perform at their best, without the fatigue and distractions that can accompany fasting.
This change is part of the broader effort by the Punjab Education Department to ensure a student-friendly examination system. By shifting the exams to the period after Ramadan and Eid, the department seeks to strike a balance between religious observances and academic responsibilities, ultimately supporting students in achieving improved results and a less stressful exam experience.
The revised dates are now considered final, and students are advised to plan their study schedules accordingly.
