Punjab has announced a major change in the Matric and Intermediate Exams 2026, marking one of the biggest academic updates of the year. The decision comes directly from Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, who confirmed that all board exams will now be held after Ramadan and Eid to provide students with a more comfortable and productive learning environment.
This update has replaced the previously approved exam dates and will impact millions of students across the province preparing for Matric (9th & 10th) and Intermediate (11th & 12th) final exams.
The announcement aims to reduce stress on students, give them additional preparation time, and ensure that exams are not held during fasting days, which often affect concentration and performance.
Why the Exam Dates Were Changed
The earlier exam schedule placed Matric exams during the start of Ramadan and Intermediate exams right after, causing concerns among teachers, students, and parents. Many said that preparing for exams during fasting becomes extremely challenging, especially for teenage students who are already under pressure due to board examinations.
After reviewing feedback, the education ministry concluded that:
- Students need a comfortable study environment
- Preparation during Ramadan becomes difficult
- Exam performance is negatively affected due to fasting
- Schools rush syllabus completion before March
- Overall academic pressure on students increases
Based on these concerns, the ministry officially moved the exams beyond Ramadan and Eid, ensuring a fresh and manageable timeline.
New Expected Dates for Matric & Inter Exams 2026
Although the final date sheet will be issued by Punjab’s BISE boards soon, the minister has shared the expected schedule.
📌 Matric Exams 2026 (New Expected Date)
- Around March 24, 2026
- All Punjab boards will follow the same timeline
📌 Intermediate Exams 2026 (New Expected Date)
- Will start after Matric exams
- Likely beginning in mid-April 2026
The exact day-by-day timetable will be released in the upcoming weeks through the official board websites.
What Was the Old Schedule?
Before the new announcement, Punjab had already issued dates:
- Matric Exams: March 3, 2026
- Intermediate Exams: May 5, 2026
However, students and teachers raised concerns about Matric exams overlapping with Ramadan and the limited preparation window. This complaint convinced the ministry to revise the schedule.
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How Many Students Will Be Affected?
Punjab’s board exams are among the largest in South Asia. The new schedule will affect:
- 2.5 million+ Matric & Inter students
- Thousands of government and private schools
- Thousands of teachers and exam staff
- All nine BISE boards across Punjab
These boards include:
- BISE Lahore
- BISE Multan
- BISE Faisalabad
- BISE Gujranwala
- BISE Rawalpindi
- BISE Bahawalpur
- BISE DG Khan
- BISE Sargodha
- BISE Sahiwal
All boards will adopt the revised schedule uniformly.
Students’ & Parents’ Reactions
The decision has received a very positive response across Punjab.
Students say:
- They will get more time for revision
- Exams after Ramadan will reduce stress
- Concentration and energy levels improve after Eid
Parents say:
- The previous dates were hard for students
- Fasting + exams is not easy for teenagers
- The new schedule is much more student-friendly
Teachers say:
- They now have more time to complete the syllabus
- Remedial classes and test sessions can be extended
- Less pressure on both teachers and administration
What About the Practical Exams?
Practical exam dates for both Matric and Intermediate will also shift forward. Boards will align practical exams with the new written exam schedule.
- Matric practicals → Expected after written exams (April–May)
- Inter practicals → Likely in May–June
Exact details will be announced soon.
What Happens Next? (Official Process)
Over the next few weeks, Punjab’s BISE boards will:
- Finalize the revised date sheets
- Announce updated schedules on official websites
- Issue new timelines for roll number slips
- Update the practical exam dates
- Coordinate with schools for timetable changes
Students should regularly check their respective board websites for updates.
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How Students Should Prepare for the New Schedule
Even with extended time, students should remain consistent with their studies. Here’s a recommended approach:
1. Complete Major Subjects Before Ramadan
Finish high-weightage chapters from Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Pakistan Studies.
2. Use Ramadan for Light Study
Do revision, MCQs practice, and past papers.
3. Start Full-Length Mock Tests After Eid
This will improve writing speed and boost confidence.
4. Follow a Weekly Study Plan
Study 3–4 hours daily with fixed targets.
5. Stay Updated with Board Announcements
Date sheets may be issued earlier than expected.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Punjab Matric & Inter Exams 2026:
1. Why did Punjab change the Matric and Inter exam dates for 2026?
To avoid exams during Ramadan and give students a better preparation environment.
2. When will Matric exams start now?
The new expected date is March 24, 2026, after Ramadan and Eid.
3. When will Intermediate exams be held?
Inter exams will begin after Matric, most likely in mid-April 2026.
4. Has the earlier date sheet been cancelled?
Yes, the previous schedule is no longer valid. A new one will be issued.
5. How many students will be affected?
More than 2.5 million students across Punjab.
6. Will practical exams also be rescheduled?
Yes, practicals will also shift according to the new written exam dates.
Conclusion – Punjab Exams Dates 2026 New Schedule Approved
The Punjab government’s decision to shift Matric and Inter exams beyond Ramadan is a major academic relief for students. This change ensures a healthier study routine, more revision time, and a stress-free environment during exams. With the new schedule officially approved, students should begin preparing according to the updated timelines and stay alert for further announcements from their respective education boards.
The new 2026 schedule reflects Punjab’s commitment to student welfare and better academic planning.