Punjab education boards have increased examination attempts for failed students from four to six, allowing candidates to retake exams within four years under revised policy.
The new rules apply to matriculation, intermediate, O Level, and A Level examinations, covering all academic groups under the jurisdiction of Punjab educational boards.
Students failing examinations may now attempt papers six times within four years, replacing the previous limit of four attempts under earlier regulations.
Officials confirmed the policy will be implemented beginning with annual examinations 2024, applying uniformly across all boards operating within Punjab province.
Candidates availing additional attempts must appear under the current syllabus, regardless of when they initially attempted examinations before failing subjects, ensuring consistency in academic standards.
The policy also applies to candidates who pass examinations but later choose to appear for additional subjects, requiring adherence to the same updated rules.
In a separate development, BISE Sargodha announced revised procedures for practical examinations in Matric and Intermediate Annual Examinations 2026 to improve transparency and assessment.
The new system was introduced following decisions by the Government of Punjab and Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen, according to Controller of Examinations Dr Mazhar Abbas.
Examiners will now award marks based on student performance, practical notebooks, and viva voce, using board-approved rubrics to ensure consistent and standardised assessment criteria.
Written responses during practical examinations will no longer be checked on-site, instead assessed through a central marking system similar to theory papers.
The board confirmed strict monitoring of laboratories will be ensured, while students were advised to prepare carefully and teachers instructed to provide proper guidance.
