Punjab's Grade 8 Board Exams in Jeopardy: PECTA Proposes Four-Subject Format Amidst Rs1 Billion Funding Crisis

Punjab's Grade 8 Board Exams in Jeopardy: PECTA Proposes Four-Subject Format

The Punjab Examination Commission (PECTA) is contemplating a drastically reduced format for the upcoming Class 8th board examinations . Facing a severe financial crisis, the commission is in advanced consultations to conduct exams for only four core subjects: Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science .

This potential shift, driven by a funding shortfall approaching Rs1 billion , raises urgent questions about educational equity, assessment integrity, and the resource constraints plaguing Punjab’s premier examination body.

8th Class Tentative Datesheet

A Crisis of Resources: The Rs1 Billion Hurdle

Official sources within the Punjab government have confirmed to multiple outlets that PECTA requires approximately Rs1 billion to conduct the Grade 8 examinations “transparently and comprehensively” across the province. This staggering sum is essential for the entire logistical chain, from paper setting and printing to venue arrangements, invigilation, and secure marking.

“The commission is caught between its mandate and its budget,” revealed a senior education department official on condition of anonymity. “The funds currently allocated are insufficient to manage the full examination process for all subjects. Conducting exams for just the four core subjects is a contingency plan, not a preferred policy shift.”

The proposed pared-down format is a direct response to these critical budget constraints . PECTA has initiated high-level consultations with the Punjab government’s finance and education departments in a bid to secure the necessary funding. The outcome of these talks, expected within the coming weeks, will determine whether the four-subject proposal becomes reality or if last-minute financing allows for a full examination suite.

50,000 Invigilators and Streamlined Registration

The scale of the Grade 8 examinations is monumental. Officials estimate that conducting the tests would require the deployment of approximately 50,000 invigilators across thousands of examination centers in Punjab. These invigilators are typically teachers and government personnel who receive daily remuneration for their assessment duties, a significant line item in the overall budget.

In a bid to simplify the administrative process amid the crisis, PECTA has planned a streamlined registration system. Students will not be required to submit physical admission forms. Instead, all students registered on the provincial School Information System (SIS) will automatically receive their roll number slips. This digital approach aims to reduce paperwork, minimize errors, and ensure all registered students are accounted for.

Implications for Students and the Educational Ecosystem

The potential limitation to four subjects has sparked debate among educators and parents. Proponents argue that Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science form the essential academic foundation, and focusing resources here ensures robust assessment in these critical areas. They suggest it is better to conduct credible exams in core subjects than to spread limited funds too thinly, risking compromises in exam security and marking quality.

However, critics warn of unintended consequences. “This sets a dangerous precedent and devalues subjects like Social Studies, Islamiyat, and Computer Science,” argued Ali Raza, a Lahore-based school principal. “It sends a message to students that these subjects are secondary. Furthermore, for students with aptitudes in humanities or arts, their overall performance profile becomes incomplete, which could impact their future academic choices.”

The move also places over one million registered students in a state of uncertainty. With the exam schedule looming, the lack of a final decision on structure and subjects hampers targeted revision and preparation.

The Road Ahead: Awaiting a Final Decision

All stakeholders are now awaiting the conclusion of consultations between PECTA and the Punjab government. The commission has presented its budgetary requirements, and the ball is in the government’s court to allocate the necessary Rs1 billion or endorse the reduced-exam model.

“A final decision regarding the exam structure and subjects is expected soon,” reiterated an official source. “The government is acutely aware of the implications. The goal is to find a solution that upholds the standard of assessment while operating within fiscal realities.”

The situation underscores the broader challenges of financing large-scale educational assessments in Pakistan. As Punjab grapples with this decision, the outcome will be closely watched by other provinces, potentially influencing how regional examination boards balance scale, quality, and cost in the future.

For now, the parents, teachers, and one million Grade 8 students across Punjab wait, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes both the integrity of their assessment and the completeness of their education.