Punjab Planning Big Change in Matric Exam Schedule

ISLAMABAD: Matric exams in Punjab may take place after Ramadan next year, as the provincial education authorities review a proposal to shift the schedule.

The suggestion came after concerns that nearly 2.5 million students across the province struggle to prepare for exams during the fasting month. Officials in the Higher Education Department have begun examining the recommendation sent by the provincial education minister.

Earlier in November, the department announced that Matric exams will begin on March 3, 2026, while intermediate board examinations will start on May 5.

According to estimates, Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on 19 or 20 March, 2026 while Ramadan is expected to begin on 18 February, 2026. Moving the exams to the period after Eid is being discussed to avoid any clash with the holy month.

In Lahore alone, more than 300,000 candidates appear in the matric exams every year.

Teachers say many students face difficulty in maintaining study routines during fasting hours. They believe holding exams after Ramadan would give students a fair chance to revise properly and to focus on both religious duties and exam preparation without pressure.