Punjab Revises Textbook Content for Academic Session 2026–27

Punjab Announces Major Textbook Content Changes for Academic Session 2026–27

The Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) has officially announced significant changes to the content of multiple textbooks for the upcoming Academic Session 2026–27. According to a notification issued on November 11, 2025, the authority has revised and reduced the content for several textbooks from Grades 6 to 10. This marks one of the most comprehensive curriculum adjustments in recent years aimed at improving learning efficiency and reducing academic load on students.

The directive, addressed to key officials including the Programme Director of the Program Monitoring & Implementation Unit (PMIU), the Managing Director of Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), and senior education officers across Punjab, highlights that the revised textbooks will feature fewer pages and updated content. Education institutions and printing authorities have been instructed to revise their indents accordingly to ensure timely printing and distribution before the new academic session begins in April 2026.

PECTAA’s Director (Curriculum & Compliance) emphasized that the decision aligns with the provincial government’s broader educational reforms, which focus on simplifying textbook content, removing outdated topics, and ensuring alignment with modern learning outcomes. “The number of pages for the said textbooks has been reduced. Schools, publishers, and relevant authorities are requested to revise their indents so that PECTAA can print them according to the new standards,” the official notification stated.

Textbooks Revised Under the New Curriculum Plan

The revised textbooks cover a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, Computer Science, and technical education. These changes apply to both English Medium (EM) and Urdu Medium (UM) versions. The list attached with the notification (Annex-A) includes 29 textbooks from Grade 6 to Grade 10.

The revised textbooks include:

Grade 6:

1. Geography-6 (EM)

2. English-6

3. History-6 (EM)

Grade 7:

1. Geography-7 (EM)

2. Math-7 (EM)

3. History-7 (EM)

4. Computer Science-7 (EM)

Grade 8:

1. Geography-8 (EM)

2. Math-8 (EM)

3. History-8 (EM)

Grade 9 (General):

1. English-9

2. Math-9 (EM)

3. Riazi-9 (UM)

4. Physics-9 (EM)

5. Physics-9 (UM)

6. Chemistry-9 (EM)

7. Chemistry-9 (UM)

8. Biology-9 (EM)

9. Biology-9 (UM)

Grade 9 (CS & Entrepreneurship):

1. Computer Science & Entrepreneurship-9 (EM)

2. Computer Science & Entrepreneurship-9 (UM)

Grade 9–10 (General Science):

1. General Science 9-10 (EM)

2. General Science 9-10 (UM)

Grade 9 (Technical):

1. Physics-Tech-9 (EM)

2. Physics-Tech-9 (UM)

3. Chemistry-Tech-9 (EM)

4. Chemistry-Tech-9 (UM)

5. Computer Science & Entrepreneurship-Tech-9 (EM)

6. Computer Science & Entrepreneurship-Tech-9 (UM)

These revisions represent a major shift in Punjab’s textbook development strategy for the next academic session, aiming to enhance clarity, modernize topics, and remove redundancies.

Purpose Behind Revising Textbook Content

According to internal sources, reducing textbook load has been a long-standing demand from teachers, students, and education experts. Many schools reported that existing textbooks were lengthy, concept-heavy, and not well aligned with students’ cognitive levels.

PECTAA confirmed that the revised editions will include:

• Simplified explanations for complex topics

• Updated illustrations and visuals

• Reduced chapter lengths

• Improved alignment with Single National Curriculum (SNC) goals

• Removal of repetitive or outdated lessons

Education specialists believe this move will help students better understand core concepts, reduce rote learning, and improve overall academic performance.

How This Impacts Schools and Students

The notification directs all concerned departments to prepare for the transition immediately. Schools are expected to:

• Adjust their teaching plans for 2026–27

• Inform teachers and students about the updated textbooks

• Place fresh orders with Punjab Textbook Board (PTB)

• Ensure outdated versions are not used in classrooms

Parents will also benefit from the reduced cost of textbooks due to fewer pages and smaller print volumes.

Meanwhile, students from Grade 6 to Grade 10 will see lighter school bags, shorter textbooks, and more focused content, making the learning experience smoother and more effective.

Significance of These Changes

Punjab has been working on educational improvements for several years. These textbook revisions are seen as part of a larger reform strategy that includes new assessment systems, modernized exam patterns, and enhanced digital learning tools.

Educational analysts suggest that revising 29 textbooks in one cycle indicates the government’s commitment to bringing meaningful change to public education. Experts also predict that these changes might pave the way for further curriculum modernization in the coming years.

The announcement of revised textbooks for the academic session 2026–27 marks a major milestone for Punjab’s education sector. With updated content, reduced academic load, and improved learning structure, the new textbooks aim to provide students with a more balanced and effective educational experience. Schools and related departments have been instructed to follow PECTAA’s guidelines to ensure a smooth transition into the next academic session.

As Punjab continues its journey toward educational modernization, these changes reflect a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes student-centered learning and better academic outcomes.