Punjab Changes Matric and Inter Exam Dates 2026 – New Schedule Announced After Ramadan
In a major development for students across Punjab, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has officially announced changes to the matric and intermediate examination dates for 2026. The new schedule moves the annual board exams to a post-Ramadan timeline, ensuring a more comfortable and focused environment for students during their crucial academic period.
Exams to Be Held After Ramadan and Eid
The Punjab Education Minister confirmed that both matric and intermediate exams will now take place after Ramadan and Eid. This adjustment aims to provide relief to students who previously faced exam preparations during fasting days.
According to the updated schedule, matric exams are expected to begin around March 24, 2026, followed by intermediate exams shortly afterward. The revised plan ensures that students can concentrate better on their studies without the added challenge of managing exams during the holy month.
Previous Exam Schedule and the Change
Earlier, the Punjab Education Department had officially released the exam timetable for the 2026 academic session, setting:
- Matric exams to start on March 3, 2026
- Intermediate exams to begin on May 5, 2026
However, this earlier timeline faced criticism from parents, teachers, and students who expressed concerns about exams overlapping with Ramadan. The ministry reviewed the feedback and decided to reschedule the exams in the best interest of students.
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Reason Behind the Change
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the decision was made to create a student-friendly examination environment. Conducting exams after Ramadan allows both students and teachers to focus better, maintain academic consistency, and ensure fair performance evaluation.
He emphasized that education policies must be flexible and considerate of the students’ well-being, particularly during significant religious periods like Ramadan and Eid.
What This Means for Students
For students preparing for matric (10th class) and intermediate (11th and 12th classes) exams, this shift provides extra time for revision and preparation. The post-Ramadan exam schedule is expected to:
- Reduce stress during fasting days
- Improve study consistency during Ramadan
- Give schools more time to complete their syllabi
Students are advised to continue their preparations as usual, as only the exam dates have changed, not the academic curriculum or syllabus.
Updated Exam Timeline Overview
| Exam Type | Previous Date | New Expected Date | Remarks |
| Matric Exams | March 3, 2026 | Around March 24, 2026 | After Ramadan |
| Intermediate Exams | May 5, 2026 | After Matric Exams | Post-Eid period |
This new schedule will officially be issued by the respective Punjab Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) in the coming weeks.
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
The Punjab Education Department will soon release an updated notification outlining the revised timetable for all educational boards across the province. Students are encouraged to follow official channels and their BISE websites for the final confirmed dates.
Final Words
The Punjab Government’s decision to reschedule the matric and inter exams after Ramadan and Eid reflects a thoughtful approach to supporting students’ academic performance and spiritual commitments. With extra preparation time and reduced pressure, this change is widely welcomed by students, parents, and teachers alike.
As soon as the final timetable is announced, we’ll update this space with the official Punjab board exam schedule 2026.
