Punjab Overhauls Grade 8 Exams: Govt Schools to Lead, Private Participation Optional
The Punjab School Education Department is reshaping how Grade 8 board exams will work, announcing that from the next academic year, these tests will be mandatory only for government schools.
Private institutions will have the option to participate, removing the previous one-size-fits-all approach. The Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) will oversee the process, ensuring standardization and security.
Officials say a detailed blueprint will be unveiled within three weeks, covering exam subjects, mark allocation, and protocols for safely delivering question papers to centers.
While the exact exam dates are yet to be confirmed, the tentative window is February–March 2026.
In a move that could change how schools approach teaching, the government plans to roll out a results-based reward and penalty system. Schools posting high scores may receive incentives, while consistently underperforming institutions could face official scrutiny or administrative measures.
