Punjab Cancels Grade 5 and 8 Board Exams for 2025

In a major educational reform, the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA) has officially decided to cancel the board exams for grades 5 and 8 for the academic year 2025. This landmark decision, revealed by 24NewsHD TV Channel, was made during a high-level meeting chaired by PECTA CEO Dr. Shahenshah Faisal Azeem.

The decision is expected to positively impact students by reducing exam-related pressure and promoting a more conceptual and understanding-based learning approach.

Why Were the Exams Cancelled?

Purpose Behind the Decision:

The cancellation is not merely an administrative shift but is part of a broader educational vision:

• To reduce exam stress on younger students.

• To encourage comprehension and critical thinking rather than rote memorization.

• To align with modern global educational trends, where continuous assessment is prioritized.

• To support a child-centered approach that values learning over performance.

Traditional Exams vs. New Assessment Model

The following table shows a comparison between the old board exam system and the new assessment-based system:

What Will Replace Board Exams?

Assessment-Based Learning:

PECTA has not left a vacuum in the academic evaluation system. The following methods will now be employed to assess grade 5 and 8 students:

• Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes, class tests, and projects.

• Summative Assessments: End-of-term school-based exams without board pressure.

• Teacher Observations: Monitoring participation, creativity, and application.

• Conceptual Understanding: Evaluation based on how well students grasp concepts.

• Portfolios & Presentations: Demonstrating knowledge through creative output.

Matric and Inter Board Exam Schedules

Although exams for classes 5 and 8 are cancelled, matric (9th and 10th) and intermediate (11th and 12th) board exams in Punjab will continue as scheduled.

Tentative 2025 Exam Schedule:

Note: Final dates will be announced by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Punjab.

Alignment with Global Trends

PECTA’s move reflects practices followed in many advanced education systems around the world:

Countries Following Similar Models:

• Finland: No standardized tests until high school.

• Canada: Uses school-based assessments and portfolio reviews.

• Singapore: Shifted to reduce test loads for primary students.

Highlights from the PECTA Meeting

Key Takeaways:

• Chaired by: Dr. Shahenshah Faisal Azeem (CEO PECTA)

• Agenda: Transition from board exams to continuous assessment.

• Goal: Cultivate deeper understanding and critical skills.

• Focus: Mental well-being of students, reduce exam-related anxiety.

Public and Educational Experts’ Response

Educators’ Opinions:

• “A welcome step towards a less stressful, more meaningful education,” says a Lahore-based educationist.

• “This model will encourage creativity and participation in classrooms,” noted a primary school teacher from Multan.

Parents’ Reactions:

• Mixed reactions, as many parents worry about accountability.

• Others feel relieved, saying their children can now learn without fear.

The cancellation of grade 5 and 8 board exams by PECTA in Punjab is more than just an administrative update—it marks a transformative shift in Pakistan’s education system. By replacing pressure-heavy board exams with holistic student assessments, the province is embracing a more student-centered and forward-looking educational philosophy.

As the matric and intermediate exams continue on schedule, this change for junior classes may well set the tone for nationwide education reforms in the years ahead.