Punjab Postpones First-Term Exams Due to Floods

In a major decision affecting millions of students, the Punjab School Education Department has postponed the first-term examinations for 2025. The exams initially scheduled for August 15 have now been merged with mid-term exams that will take place in December, impacting over 10 million students across 38,000 government schools in the province.

The decision follows weeks of school closures caused by severe flooding and delayed reopenings in multiple districts. Education authorities stated that the disruptions made it difficult to conduct exams on time and maintain consistency in the academic calendar.

Officials clarified that no separate first-term assessments will be held this year. Instead, combined exams will be conducted in early December to ensure students’ evaluations remain aligned with the revised schedule.

Parents and teachers have expressed concern over the move, emphasizing the importance of regular exams in maintaining students’ focus and discipline.

“When exams are held according to schedule, children don’t feel pressured. But delays create frustration and disappointment among them,” said one concerned parent.

An official from the School Education Department stated:

“Given the extraordinary circumstances caused by floods, the department had no choice but to merge first-term exams with the upcoming mid-term session to ensure fairness and uniformity across all schools.”

Exam Schedule Overview

This decision is expected to reduce administrative pressure but may increase the academic burden on students later in the year.