By ABDULLAH 
In a landmark move to modernise its education system, the Punjab Schools Education Department has announced the replacement of traditional board examinations with a new student assessment test. The initiative aims to improve academic outcomes in grades 9 and 10 while strengthening foundational skills from the early years of schooling.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat described the decision as a major step towards modern, effective, and student-focused learning standards. He emphasised that the updated evaluation system will not only measure academic knowledge but also enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills among students.
Under the new policy, the Punjab Examination Commission for Test and Assessment (PECTA) will conduct the grade 8 assessment test. Detailed guidelines for the exam process are expected to be released within the next 20 days.
The reform will first be implemented in government schools across Punjab, while private schools will have the option to continue with board exams or adopt the new assessment system. Despite the change, the annual board exams will still be conducted next year in February or March during the transition phase.
The primary goal of this shift is to:
- Improve student performance in secondary classes.
- Reinforce early learning skills from the foundational years.
- Modernise assessment methods to match global education trends.
- Reduce over-reliance on rote memorisation by focusing on conceptual understanding.
Minister Hayat stressed that education reforms are crucial for preparing students to compete at national and international levels, ensuring they possess both academic knowledge and practical skills.
This initiative is seen as part of Punjab’s broader strategy to upgrade its education system. By introducing a more dynamic assessment method, the province hopes to bridge learning gaps, improve teaching methodologies, and equip students for future challenges.
With this policy change, Punjab joins the growing number of regions around the world adopting alternative evaluation models aimed at producing well-rounded, capable learners rather than mere exam-takers.