Federal Board Unveils 2026 Intermediate Annual Exam Schedule: Key Dates, Fees, and Exemptions Announced

Federal Board Unveils 2026 Intermediate Annual Exam Schedule: Key Dates, Fees, and Exemptions Announced

The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially announced the schedule for the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Part-I Annual Examinations 2026 . The board has confirmed that the examinations will commence on April 28, 2026 , marking the official start of the annual academic assessment cycle.

Simultaneously with the date announcement, the FBISE has activated its online portal for the submission of examination admission forms and released a comprehensive schedule detailing critical deadlines and a stratified fee structure catering to regular, private, and improvement of division candidates. This move is designed to streamline the administrative process and provide ample time for students to prepare both academically and logistically.

Examination Commencement and Core Timeline

The declaration of April 28 as the start date provides a clear timeline for first-year (Class XI) students, allowing them precisely over two months for final preparations. The board typically releases a detailed date sheet specifying subject-wise schedules closer to the exam period. This early announcement of the start date is intended to help students, parents, and educational institutions plan their revision schedules and academic commitments effectively.

Admission Form Deadlines and Tiered Fee Structure

A critical component of the announcement is the detailed fee and deadline schedule, which emphasizes the importance of timely submission. According to the official notification:

• Normal Fee Submission: Students can submit their admission forms with the standard fee without any penalty until February 3, 2026 . This is the primary window for all candidates.

• Late Submission with Double Fee: For forms submitted after the initial deadline, the board will accept applications with a double fee from February 4 to February 12, 2026 .

• Final Late Submission with Triple Fee: A final concessionary period, where forms will be entertained with a triple fee, will run until February 24, 2026 . No forms are expected to be accepted after this cut-off date, making it an absolute deadline for all candidates.
  

Detailed Breakdown of Examination Fees

The FBISE has outlined specific fee amounts for different categories of candidates, bringing transparency to the financial obligations for the examinations:

• HSSC Part-I (First Year) Examination Fee: Set at Rs. 2,700 for regular registered candidates.

• Unregistered/Private Candidates: Candidates who are not formally enrolled in affiliated colleges will be charged a fee of Rs. 4,200 for the Part-I exams.

• Composite Fee for Both Parts: For private candidates opting to appear in both HSSC Part-I and Part-II (Second Year) examinations simultaneously, the board has fixed a combined fee of Rs. 5,400 .

Correction Charges and Important Exemptions

In a move to address common administrative needs, the board has announced a Rs. 2,000 charge for any corrections required in the submitted admission form or for rectifying details on the roll number slip post-issuance. This underscores the importance of careful, accurate form filling during the initial submission.

Significantly, the FBISE has reiterated its policy of full fee exemption for specific vulnerable groups . In line with inclusive educational policies, the following categories of candidates will be exempted from paying any examination fees:

• Orphan candidates

• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

• Prisoner candidates

Eligible students from these categories must provide the necessary documented proof through their institutions or directly to the board to avail of this exemption.

Implications for Students and Educational Institutions

Educationists have welcomed the early announcement, stating it reduces uncertainty. "The clear, phased fee structure incentivizes punctuality and helps administrative planning in schools and colleges," commented Principal Ayesha Raza of a leading Islamabad college. "Students now have a fixed target to work towards."

Parents and students are advised to meticulously gather all required documents, including previous academic transcripts and identification materials, well before the submission windows begin. Special attention should be paid to accurately filling out personal details, elective subjects, and practical exam choices to avoid the subsequent correction charges.

Next Steps for Candidates

All candidates must monitor the official FBISE website ( www.fbise.edu.pk ) regularly for further updates, including the release of the detailed subject-wise date sheet, practical examination schedules, and any potential amendments. The board’s online portal is the primary and most reliable source for form submission and information.

The announcement sets the stage for the 2026 examination session, providing a structured framework for nearly a year of preparation and administrative procedures. Students are encouraged to utilize the available time efficiently, focusing on their studies while adhering strictly to the announced deadlines to avoid financial penalties and last-minute complications.