The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has officially announced the examination schedule for the crucial Classes VIII, X, and XII for the academic session 2025-26. In a significant shift from previous years, the Board has decided to conduct practical examinations ahead of the written tests. This move, announced by PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh on Tuesday, is designed to provide students with a more streamlined and less stressful examination experience.
Major Change in Exam Pattern: Practicals First
Amarpal Singh detailed that the practical examinations for all three classes—VIII, X, and XII—will now be held from February 2 to 12, 2026. This strategic rescheduling is a departure from the conventional timeline where written exams typically preceded practicals. The Chairman explained the rationale behind this decision, stating it will grant students ample time after their written board exams to focus on preparing for various national and state-level competitive entrance tests. Furthermore, it will ensure that the commencement of the next academic session is not delayed.
Detailed Written Exam Schedule for 2026
The written examination schedule for each class has been meticulously planned. The Class VIII board exams for the 2025-26 session will be conducted first, running from February 17 to 27, 2026. The exams will be held daily from 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM. An estimated 2.77 lakh (277,000) students are expected to appear for these exams across more than 2,300 examination centres in the state.
Following this, the Class X written examinations are scheduled from March 6 to April 1, 2026, maintaining the same 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM timing. Approximately 2.84 lakh (284,000) candidates will take their matriculation exams at over 2,300 centres.
The Class XII examinations will have the longest window, stretching from February 17 to April 4, 2026. Similar to the other classes, these senior secondary exams will also be held from 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM. Around 2.84 lakh students will appear for these exams, which will be conducted at roughly 2,200 centres statewide.
Accessing the Official Date Sheet
The Board has made the complete date sheet and all related examination information readily accessible to students, parents, and schools. The official notification and detailed timetable are available for download on the Punjab School Education Board's website: www.pseb.ac.in. Students are advised to visit the site promptly to verify their subject-wise exam dates and begin their preparation accordingly.
This revised schedule underscores PSEB's effort to align the state board examination process with the broader academic and competitive landscape in India, aiming to reduce the burden on students and facilitate a smoother transition between academic years.
