A report issued by the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen has revealed that more than 500,000 students across Pakistan failed the matriculation examinations during the 2025 academic session, according to media reports on Friday.
The report showed that Punjab recorded the highest number of failures with over 358,000 students unable to pass the exams.
In the Lahore Board alone, 87,419 students failed the matric exams. Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 80,558 students out of 444,000 candidates were declared unsuccessful.
In Sindh, around 51,000 students out of 450,000 candidates failed the examinations, while the Quetta Board reported 9,797 failures among 78,839 students.
The Federal Board also recorded 15,798 failed candidates out of approximately 137,000 students.
Education experts described the alarming results as evidence of major weaknesses in teaching standards and student preparation. They stressed the need for immediate reforms in the education curriculum and improved teacher training programs.
Timetable issued for government schools
In a separate development, a new timetable was issued for government schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the notification, primary schools will start at 7:30 am, while closing time will be 1:35 pm.
Morning assembly will now include moral training, student speeches on different topics, and practical activities. These have been made mandatory.
Students will receive moral education three days a week through speeches and three days through skits.
School heads have been directed to organise a weekly “Bazm-e-Adab” on the last working day.
After the literary session, the last three periods will be used for staff meetings and completion of registers.
In case of teacher shortages or long leave, headteachers and subject specialists will take classes.
All District Education Officers have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the timetable in schools.
Also read: Matric Urdu paper leaked in Peshawar
