The Punjab Schools Education Department is replacing traditional board exams with a new assessment-based system. This change aims to enhance the academic performance of students in grades nine and ten, while also focusing on strengthening early-year learning. The announcement was made by Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, who emphasized the importance of evolving the current educational framework to better serve students’ needs.
Under the new system, grade eight assessments will be conducted by the Punjab Examination Commission for Technical Assessment (PECTA), which will issue exam guidelines within the next 20 days. These guidelines are expected to provide a clear outline for both students and educators, ensuring that the transition to this new system is as smooth as possible.
The new assessment system will initially be implemented in government schools across the province. However, private schools will have the option to either adopt the new assessment system or continue with the traditional board exams. This flexibility is intended to give private schools the opportunity to choose what works best for their students while aligning with the government’s educational reforms.
The next academic session, set for February–March 2026, will be the first to implement these changes. The system is designed to reduce the pressure of traditional exams and provide a more continuous and holistic evaluation of students’ progress. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the aim of this reform is not only to improve academic outcomes but also to foster a better learning environment for students.
The Punjab Schools Education Department is replacing traditional board exams with a new assessment-based system, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing education and promoting a more comprehensive approach to student evaluation.
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