Punjab Matric and Intermediate Exams 2026
Brief Overview
In a major relief for millions of students across Punjab, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on December 3, 2025, that the Matric (9th and 10th class) and Intermediate (11th and 12th class) annual board examinations for 2026 will now be conducted after Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.
This shift from the original dates—Matric starting March 3 and Intermediate on May 5—aims to reduce academic stress during the holy month, allowing students to balance religious observances with focused preparation.
Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18, 2026, with Eid-ul-Fitr around March 19-20.
The new tentative start for Matric exams is March 24, 2026, followed by Intermediate shortly after. This guide covers everything from eligibility to application steps, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
Key Changes in Exam Schedule
- Original Timeline: Matric exams from March 3, 2026; Intermediate from May 5, 2026.
- Updated Timeline: Both shifted post-Eid to accommodate fasting and festivities.
- Expected Duration: Matric exams likely span 3-4 weeks; Intermediate to follow with a similar structure.
- Board-Wide Applicability: All nine Punjab Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) will implement this uniformly.
Educational Requirements
To appear for these exams, students must meet basic academic prerequisites set by the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen (PBCC):
- Matric (SSC Part I & II): Completion of Class 8 with at least 35% marks in relevant subjects; regular attendance in affiliated schools.
- Intermediate (HSSC Part I & II): Passing Matric or equivalent with minimum 33% aggregate; choice of streams like Science, Arts, Commerce, or Medical.
- Private Candidates: Must provide equivalence certificates from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) for non-Punjab qualifications.
Age Limit
- Matric: No strict upper limit, but typically 14-16 years for regular students. Private candidates up to 25 years may apply with justification.
- Intermediate: Generally 16-18 years; upper limit of 22 years for regular and 25 for private, subject to board discretion.
- Note: Age relaxations are available for special cases like delayed enrollment, verified by school records.
Who Can Apply?
- Regular Students: Enrolled in government, private, or semi-government schools affiliated with Punjab BISE boards.
- Private Candidates: Non-enrolled individuals preparing independently, including repeaters or those from unrecognized institutions (with equivalence).
- Special Categories: Disabled students, expatriates, and transgender applicants qualify with additional documentation for accommodations.
- Exclusions: Students from outside Punjab without domicile or those failing to meet attendance norms (75% minimum for regulars).
Detailed Table of Information
| Aspect | Matric (9th & 10th) | Intermediate (11th & 12th) |
|---|---|---|
| Tentative Start Date | March 24, 2026 (post-Eid) | April/May 2026 (post-Matric) |
| Duration | 20-25 days | 25-30 days |
| Subjects | Core: English, Urdu, Islamiat, Pak Studies; Electives: Math, Science, etc. | Core: English, Urdu, Islamiat/Pak Studies; Stream-specific: Physics, Biology, etc. |
| Exam Mode | Written (theory + practicals) | Written (theory + practicals) |
| Passing Marks | 33% in each subject | 33% in each subject |
| Fee Structure | Single: Rs. 1,500-2,000; Double: Rs. 3,000; Triple: Rs. 4,500 | Single: Rs. 2,500-3,000; Double: Rs. 5,000; Triple: Rs. 7,500 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 | July 2026 |
Maximum Age and Residential Requirements
- Maximum Age: As noted, flexible up to 25 years for private candidates; no cap for regulars under special circumstances.
- Residential Requirements: Applicants must hold Punjab domicile or be residents of the province for at least one year. Expatriates need proof of Pakistani origin. Exams are conducted only at centers within Punjab; out-of-province students require migration certificates.
Important Application and Selection Procedure
- Online Registration: Visit your respective BISE board website (e.g., biselahore.com) and create an account using CNIC/B-Form.
- Form Submission: Upload photo, signature, and previous marksheets; pay fees via bank challan or online.
- Verification: Schools submit for regulars; private candidates visit board offices for attestation.
- Roll Number Issuance: Admit cards available 15 days before exams via online portal.
- Selection: Automatic for eligible applicants; no entrance test—based on prior academics and fee payment.
Job Details and Eligibility Criteria
While these are academic exams, they serve as gateways to higher education and jobs in government sectors like teaching, civil services, and technical roles.
- Post-Exam Opportunities: High scorers (80%+) eligible for scholarships, university admissions, and entry-level jobs (e.g., junior clerk via PPSC).
- Detailed Eligibility:
- Minimum 40% in key subjects for stream selection.
- No backlogs from previous years.
- Health fitness certificate for practical-heavy streams like Medical.
District-Wise Information in Table Form
| BISE Board | Covered Districts | Key Exam Centers (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore | Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib | Govt. College University, Lahore; Model Town Schools |
| Faisalabad | Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh | Punjab College, Faisalabad; District Public Schools |
| Multan | Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran | B.Z.U. Campus, Multan; Govt. High Schools |
| Gujranwala | Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin | Govt. Islamia College, Civil Lines; Tehsil Centers |
| Rawalpindi | Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal | F.G. Colleges, Rawalpindi; District HQs |
| Sargodha | Sargodha, Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali | UET Sargodha Campus; Govt. Schools |
| Bahawalpur | Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan | Islamia University; Tehsil HQs |
| D.G. Khan | D.G. Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur | Govt. Degree College, D.G. Khan |
| Sahiwal | Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan | Govt. College, Sahiwal; District Centers |
Key Points
- Exams will prioritize student well-being by avoiding overlap with religious holidays.
- Practical exams for science groups to be held a week before theory papers.
- Digital roll numbers mandatory; no physical slips allowed at centers.
- Grace marks up to 10 for borderline failures, per PBCC policy.
Terms and Conditions
- Applications are non-refundable; late fees apply strictly.
- Impersonation or malpractice leads to disqualification and legal action.
- Boards reserve rights to change dates due to unforeseen events (e.g., weather).
- All disputes resolved by PBCC; no appeals post-results except via rechecking (fee: Rs. 500/subject).
Last Date for Application Submission
- Single Fee: December 10, 2025
- Double Fee: December 23, 2025
- Triple Fee: January 6, 2026
Submit promptly to avoid penalties—extensions are rare.
Summary Information
This rescheduling benefits over 1.5 million students by providing uninterrupted study time post-Eid. Focus on core syllabus revisions announced alongside, emphasizing critical thinking over rote learning. Stay updated via official channels for precise dates.
Official Website Link for Applying
Apply through the Punjab Education Department portal: education.punjab.gov.pk or your local BISE site (e.g., biselahore.com). Online forms open now.
Note/Warning for Complaints and Queries
For complaints on form issues or exam irregularities, contact your BISE helpline (e.g., Lahore: 042-99200192) within 7 days of occurrence. Queries via email to info@bisepunjab.edu.pk. Beware of fake agents charging extra—official processes are free of middlemen. Report scams to Punjab Police cyber wing.
FAQs
Q: Will the syllabus change with the new dates?
A: No major changes; minor updates focus on updated textbooks for 2026.
Q: Can I apply for both Matric and Intermediate in one go?
A: No—separate forms required; Inter applicants must attach Matric certificate.
Q: What if I miss the single fee deadline?
A: Opt for double/triple fees up to January 6, 2026, but prepare early.
Q: Are online classes mandatory for preparation?
A: Recommended via Punjab Virtual Academy; attendance boosts eligibility.
Q: How to get accommodation for disabled students?
A: Submit medical certificate during application for scribe/writer facilities.
Conclusion
The decision to hold Punjab Matric and Intermediate exams 2026 after Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr reflects a student-centric approach, fostering better academic outcomes and holistic development. With extended admission deadlines and clear guidelines, now’s the time to gear up. Consistent preparation, coupled with this flexible schedule, can pave the way for bright futures in higher education and careers. Stay informed, study smart, and celebrate the balance of faith and learning.
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Punjab Matric and Intermediate Exams 2026
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