Board exams announced for grades 5 and 8 across Rawalpindi

The Punjab government has released the official schedule for admissions, exams, and result announcements for classes 5 and 8.

The Punjab government has released the official schedule for school admissions, exams, and results for the academic year 2026. According to the plan, admissions forms will be submitted between November 3 and 15. The exams for Classes 5 and 8 will be conducted in February 2026, while the results will be announced on March 31. The Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA) has been given the responsibility of organizing these exams, replacing the Punjab Examination Commission.

Teacher unions have strongly opposed the plan, terming it a failed experiment that has been attempted twice before. Meanwhile, the District School Education Authority has issued fresh directives for private schools to regulate tuition fees and other charges. According to the rules, private schools will only be allowed to increase their fees by five percent annually. Schools cannot impose additional charges for summer camps or other activities, nor can they force students to buy books or notebooks from specific shops. Importantly, advance fee collection has been banned, and schools are required to collect fees on a monthly basis. Any attempt to expel or humiliate a student over fee defaults will invite strict action.

These measures aim to reduce the financial burden on parents while also ensuring transparency and fairness in the education system. However, teachers believe the exam policy could still create serious challenges for students, particularly those in public institutions.