LAHORE: The Punjab Education Department has announced a major change to its academic calendar bringing relief to 2.5 million students.
The Matric and Intermediate Board Exams for 2026 will now be held after Eid-ul-Fitr. This decision, approved by Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, gives much-needed relief and extra preparation time to students across the province.
This change directly responds to concerns from students and teachers who said holding important exams during Ramadan puts too much pressure on students.
Ramadan is expected to start around February 18, 2026, and Eid-ul-Fitr may fall on March 19 or 20.
During this time, fasting and changes in daily routines can make it harder for students to study and prepare for exams.
The previous schedule had initially set the Matriculation exams to begin on March 3, 2026, which would have meant the crucial examination period directly coincided with the final, most demanding weeks of Ramadan.
The new directive confirms that both matric and intermediate papers will be conducted post-Eid, ensuring students can dedicate their full attention to their studies without the added pressure of fasting.
Teachers and educational bodies, including the Teachers’ Union Punjab, have widely lauded the move, calling it an “excellent step” that prioritizes student welfare and academic fairness.
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