The Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) has officially released the much-anticipated Date Sheet for the Class 8th Annual Examination 2026 . The announcement, made from the authority’s headquarters in Lahore, confirms a concise four-day examination schedule set to commence in the second week of March.
With the academic year drawing to a close, the timely release of the timetable allows students across the province to structure their revision plans effectively. The authorities have emphasized a strict adherence to the schedule and the examination code of conduct to ensure a smooth and fair assessment process.

According to the official notification issued by the Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority, the Grade 8 examinations will officially begin on Monday, March 9, 2026 , and conclude on Thursday, March 12, 2026 .
All papers will be held in the morning session, maintaining consistency for the candidates. The examination timings for each day are fixed from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM . Students are advised to take note of the specific dates for their core subjects to avoid any confusion during the exam week.
The authority has outlined a clear sequence for the four core subjects that fall under the direct purview of the annual board examination. The schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Monday, March 9, 2026: The examination cycle will open with Mathematics . Students appearing for this paper are reminded to bring their own geometry box, as borrowing items during the exam is strictly prohibited.
Day 2 – Tuesday, March 10, 2026: The second day will feature the Urdu paper, a mandatory subject for all candidates.
Day 3 – Wednesday, March 11, 2026: The English paper will be held on the third day.
Day 4 – Thursday, March 12, 2026: The annual examinations will conclude with the Science paper.
In a significant update for students and parents, the authority clarified that the aforementioned schedule applies strictly to the papers being conducted at the board level. For all other Class 8th subjects, the examinations will be conducted internally by the respective schools.
The statement from the Punjab Education Authority noted that schools will utilize the IBS facility under the prevailing School Based Assessment (SBA) model to manage these internal papers. This hybrid model ensures that while core competencies are tested at a divisional level, the overall assessment of a student’s performance includes continuous evaluation conducted by their teachers.
Furthermore, the authority confirmed that it will circulate a separate, detailed schedule for the remaining subjects soon. This subsequent release will also include the End of Year Term Assessment 2026 dates for other grades, ensuring that all educational institutions in the province can plan their academic calendars accordingly.
To maintain the integrity and transparency of the examination process, the Punjab Education Authority has issued a comprehensive list of directives that all candidates must follow. Any violation of these rules could lead to disqualification or strict disciplinary action.
In line with modern examination security protocols, students are strictly forbidden from bringing any electronic devices into the examination center. This includes, but is not limited to:
Mobile phones
Smart watches
Calculators
Tablets or any other digital gadgets
Possession of these items inside the exam hall will be treated as a case of unfair means, regardless of whether the device is in use or not.
Candidates are instructed to arrive at the examination hall at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time (i.e., by 8:30 AM). This buffer period allows for proper seating arrangements and the verification of documents before the paper begins at 9:00 AM sharp.
Entry to the examination center will be strictly regulated. Students must present the following to the invigilator for verification:
B-Form (Child Registration Certificate): For identity verification.
Roll Number Slip: Issued by the school or authority.
Additionally, students must bring a blue or black ballpoint pen for writing the paper and a clipboard for support, as desks may not provide a completely flat surface. As mentioned, students with the Mathematics paper must carry their own geometry box.
The authority explicitly stated that students must use only the provided answer booklet . This booklet is designed to accommodate both the objective (multiple choice) and subjective (written) sections. No supplementary sheets or additional paper will be provided or allowed during the examination.
To maintain discipline and prevent disruption, candidates are barred from leaving the examination hall before the conclusion of the paper (12:00 PM). Students are advised to manage their time effectively to remain seated for the full duration of the exam.

With the date sheet now officially published, educationists are advising students to utilize the remaining time for revision rather than learning new concepts. Focusing on past papers and paying close attention to the format of the answer booklet can help reduce anxiety on the day of the exam.
Parents are also encouraged to ensure their children adhere to the electronic device ban and reach the examination center well before the reporting time to avoid last-minute stress.
For the latest updates regarding the remaining subject schedules and the End of Year Term Assessment for other grades, stay connected with official announcements from the Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority.