Breaking: Punjab Planning Big Change in Matric Exam Schedule 2026

Q: How many students in Punjab take matric exams every year?

Around 2.5 million students , with over 300,000 from Lahore alone.

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Matric Exam Schedule 2026

Punjab is considering a major change in the Matric Exam Schedule 2026, and this update could impact more than 2.5 million students across the province. According to reports, authorities may shift the examinations to dates after Ramadan, ensuring that students can prepare comfortably without the pressure of fasting hours. The proposal is currently under review by the Higher Education Department.

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Punjab Matric Exam Schedule 2026 – Quick Overview

Category	Details
Proposed Change	Move Matric exams to dates after Ramadan
Previous Announcement	Exams to start from March 3, 2026
Ramadan 2026 Expected Date	Starts on 18 February 2026
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Expected Date	19 or 20 March 2026
Reason for Change	Students struggle to prepare during fasting
Total Matric Students in Punjab	Around 2.5 million
Lahore Students Alone	300,000+ annually
Official Source	As per education department + City42 report

Why the Government Is Reviewing the Matric Exam Schedule 2026

Officials received recommendations from the provincial education minister suggesting that exams should not be held during Ramadan. Students face fasting, shorter study hours, and physical exhaustion, making preparation challenging.

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Current Exam Announcement vs. Proposed Changes

Earlier this year, Punjab Education Department announced:

Matric exams: March 3, 2026
Intermediate exams: May 5, 2026

But since Ramadan begins on 18 February 2026, the exam dates would fall directly in the fasting period.
The revised suggestion is to shift exams to after Eid-ul-Fitr, ensuring a smooth schedule with no conflict with the holy month.

Why Students Support the New Matric Exam Schedule 2026

Teachers and students across Punjab, especially in Lahore, report several issues with exams during Ramadan:

Difficulty in maintaining energy levels
Reduced focus due to fasting routines
Limited night study hours
Increased pressure balancing studies and religious duties

Most students believe that post-Ramadan dates will:

Improve performance
Reduce stress
Allow proper revision time
Support both religious and academic responsibilities

Benefits Expected from the New Exam Timeline

1. Better Preparation Time
Students will get extra weeks for completing their syllabus and practicing past papers.

2. No Physical Fatigue During Exams
Fasting makes long exam sessions difficult. A post-Ramadan shift removes this challenge.

3. Balanced Routine
Students can focus on prayers and fasting during Ramadan, and exams afterward.

4. Fair Chance for All Boards
Across Punjab’s nine boards, the uniform schedule will help ensure equal opportunity for all students.

What Education Authorities Are Discussing Right No

Here is what officials are considering, according to news updates and available government sources:

Reviewing all exam centers capacity if dates shift
Adjusting intermediate schedule to avoid overlap
Ensuring teachers’ availability after Eid
Publishing new roll number slips on time
Updating the official website with final dates (can be checked once announced)

Possible Step-by-Step Timeline

(This is only a sample sequence of what may happen next. Final dates will come from the Punjab Education Department.)

Proposal review by Higher Education Department
Final decision by provincial education minister
Announcement on official websites and BISE portals
New date sheet uploaded
Roll number slips re-issued
Exam centers allocated
Final press release for all Punjab boards

Helpline & Contact

Students can contact the relevant Punjab education and examination authorities here:

Punjab Higher Education Department (HED): 042-99210039
Punjab School Education Department (SED): 042-99212020
BISE Lahore Helpline: 042-99200192
Official Punjab Education Website: https://hed.punjab.gov.pk/

For the latest updates, students should regularly check the official website https://hed.punjab.gov.pk/, their respective BISE board portals, and trusted news sources.

Conclusion

The proposed shift in the Matric Exam Schedule 2026 is a major step aimed at supporting students during the holy month of Ramadan. With more than 2.5 million matric candidates in Punjab, this decision could make exam preparation easier and less stressful. As the government continues reviewing the proposal, students should stay updated through official announcements and reliable sources. A clearer, finalized schedule is expected soon.