Punjab Announces Schedule for Class 9 and 10 Annual Exams 2026

The Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) across Punjab have officially announced the starting date for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part-I and Part-II Annual Examinations 2026, confirming that matric exams will commence on March 3, 2026.

According to a recent notification issued by the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen (PBCC), all BISEs in the province — including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, DG Khan, and Sahiwal — have finalized the complete examination and admission form submission schedule for the upcoming session.

Online Admission Form Submission Mandatory

As per the official announcement, students appearing in the 2026 matric examinations are required to submit their admission forms online, along with paid fee challans and printed copies through designated online bank deposits. The boards have made it clear that no manual admission forms or handwritten challans will be accepted under any circumstances.

This decision aligns with Punjab’s ongoing digital transformation in the education sector, aimed at ensuring transparency, reducing administrative errors, and simplifying the process for students and schools.

BISE officials have emphasized that both private and regular candidates must strictly adhere to the given deadlines to avoid penalties. All concerned institutions — especially public and private schools — have been directed to visit their respective board websites to review the updated submission procedure, fee structure, and other examination-related instructions.

Important Dates for BISE Matric Exams 2026

Although the detailed schedule of papers will be issued later, the PBCC has confirmed that the first paper of Class 10 (SSC Part-II) will begin on March 3, 2026, followed by Class 9 (SSC Part-I) examinations shortly after.

The admission submission process for both classes will take place in three phases:

1. Single Fee Submission: Likely to start in November 2025.

2. Double Fee Submission: Expected in December 2025.

3. Triple Fee Submission: Concluding in January 2026.

These phases provide flexibility for schools and private students, ensuring everyone gets ample time to register without delay.

Why Punjab Boards Are Moving Toward Digitalization

Officials from several BISE offices have highlighted that the move toward online form submission is part of a broader digital education reform initiative. The aim is to minimize paper-based procedures, speed up verification processes, and ensure real-time monitoring of data entries.

In previous years, delays and manual entry errors caused significant inconvenience for students. With the new online system, data submission and verification will now be automated, reducing human error and ensuring that all candidate details are accurately recorded before issuance of roll number slips.

BISE Lahore’s spokesperson noted that this system is also environment-friendly, as it eliminates unnecessary paperwork and helps maintain accurate digital records for future reference.

Instructions for Schools and Students

All school heads and examination in-charges have been directed to:

• Carefully read the admission instructions available on their respective BISE websites.

• Ensure the timely submission of student data and fee challans.

• Verify that all uploaded information — including candidate names, father’s names, and subjects — is accurate.

• Print and retain copies of the submitted admission forms and challans for recordkeeping.

Private candidates are similarly advised to ensure they provide valid CNIC, photographs, and correct subject combinations before final submission.

Uniform Examination Policy Across Punjab

One of the key objectives behind this unified schedule is to ensure uniformity across all Punjab boards. For years, slight variations in dates between boards caused confusion among students and institutions operating in multiple districts.

By synchronizing the SSC examination calendar, the PBCC aims to streamline the matric exam system and enhance coordination between different BISEs.

Furthermore, the move will help universities and colleges align their admission schedules more effectively after matric results are announced.

Exam Preparation and Expected Paper Pattern

Students are encouraged to begin their exam preparation early, as the syllabus and paper pattern for the 2026 SSC exams will follow the guidelines set by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB).

The boards have not announced any changes to the syllabus or pattern this year, but sources indicate that objectives and subjective sections will continue as per the existing format. Model papers will soon be uploaded on official board websites to help students understand the structure of upcoming exams.

Officials Emphasize Timely Compliance

In a joint statement, education board officials stressed the importance of following deadlines and digital procedures. They stated:

“The goal is to create an efficient, transparent, and fully online examination system where every student’s data is securely processed. Schools and candidates must comply strictly with the announced timelines to avoid inconvenience.”

They also warned that late submissions or incomplete forms will not be entertained, even with higher fees, as the system automatically closes after the final date.

Key Takeaways

• Matric (9th & 10th) Annual Exams 2026: Begin March 3, 2026

• Mode of Admission: Only online submissions accepted

• Manual Forms/Challans: Not allowed

• Boards Involved: Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, DG Khan, Sahiwal

• Objective: Improve efficiency, transparency, and digital recordkeeping

The Punjab government and educational boards’ collective efforts reflect a major shift toward digital governance and standardized examination systems. The upcoming Matric Annual Exams 2026 mark another milestone in streamlining educational administration in the province.

Students and schools are advised to regularly check official BISE websites for updates regarding fee submission, roll number slips, and date sheets. With exams only a few months away, timely preparation and adherence to official guidelines will be crucial for smooth participation in the 2026 matriculation exams.