In a significant stride toward enhancing students’ English proficiency and aligning educational benchmarks with global standards, educational boards in Punjab are set to implement a transformative change in the mode of matriculation exams.
Commencing from the academic year 2025, all educational boards across the province will conduct matric exams in English, spanning both science and arts streams. This strategic shift includes a gradual phasing out of Urdu from question papers, ensuring a consistent language medium across all subjects. Additionally, by 2026, the transition to English extends to encompass all optional subjects for FA exams.
While the formal approval for this progressive policy is still pending, educational authorities are optimistic about its ratification during the imminent Punjab Boards Committee Chairmen (PBCC) meeting.
However, not everyone views this change without concerns. Rana Liaqat Ali, the General Secretary of the Punjab Teachers Union, has voiced apprehensions about potential challenges stemming from the language transition. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive teacher training to facilitate a seamless shift, he underscores the significance of mitigating possible student failure rates attributed to language barriers.
