Board Exams for Class 5 and 8 to Resume in Rawalpindi from 2026

Authorities have decided to reintroduce board examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 students in government schools across Rawalpindi, starting in 2026. The move is aimed at preparing students for higher-grade assessments, though it has already sparked opposition from teachers’ unions.

Exam Schedule Announced

According to the official schedule, admission forms for the annual exams will be accepted between November 3 and November 15, 2025. The Class 5 exams will begin on February 9, 2026, while Class 8 exams will take place from February 16 to 24, 2026. Final results are scheduled to be released on March 31, 2026.

PECTA to Organize Exams

The Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA) has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the exams. Previously, this role was handled by the Punjab Examination Commission. A PECTA spokesperson said the change aims to bring more uniformity in the evaluation system and better prepare students for board-style testing at the matriculation and intermediate levels.

Teachers’ Unions Oppose the Move

Teacher associations have expressed strong reservations over the decision, describing it as a “failed experiment” that was tried twice before without success. Union leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja criticized the exemption given to private schools, saying that the policy will put additional pressure only on government school students.

Fears of Rising Dropouts

The unions also raised concerns about the possible social impact of the policy. They warned that many students, especially girls, might drop out of school if they fail the Class 8 exam. In rural and underprivileged areas, where educational opportunities are already limited, such failures could discourage families from continuing their children’s studies.

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