Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board Introduces Curriculum Reforms for 2025-26
The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has announced significant updates to its educational curriculum, set to take effect from the academic session 2025-26. These changes, detailed in the official notification issued on December 26, 2024 (Notification No. M-49-03/PCTB/2024), aim to modernize and standardize the educational framework for both the Humanities and Science groups at the matric/secondary school level.
Implementation Timeline
The new Schemes of Studies will be implemented starting from the academic year 2025-26. Students in Grades IX and X will be directly impacted, with revised curriculum structures for both Humanities (Annex-A) and Science (Annex-B) groups.
Approval and Official Authorization
These reforms were approved during the 121st meeting of the Board of Governors of the PCTB, which was held on December 3, 2024. This highlights the board’s commitment to improving educational standards in alignment with global and national benchmarks.
The updated curriculum notification has been shared with key educational and administrative stakeholders across Punjab, including:
- The Minister and Secretary of School Education
- Secretary of Higher Education Department
- Chairpersons of BISEs in various cities
- District Education Authorities
- Managing Directors of Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) and PCTB
This wide distribution underscores the government’s effort to ensure seamless implementation of the new policies.
Details of the Updated Schemes of Studies
Humanities Group Curriculum
The Humanities curriculum for Grades IX and X spans two years, consisting of 45 weekly periods and a total of 1200 marks. Core subjects include Urdu, English, Translation of the Holy Quran, Mathematics, General Science, Pakistan Studies, and Islamiyat. Students will also take two elective subjects, each contributing 150 marks.
A key component of the Humanities Scheme is the inclusion of co-curricular activities, such as critical thinking sessions, community service, and sports, evaluated with A/B/C grading. This aims to foster holistic development alongside academic excellence.
Humanities Group Scheme of Studies
| Subject | Periods (IX) | Periods (X) | Theory Marks | Practical Marks | Total Marks | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Translation of Holy Quran | 3 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 100 | U/M |
| Urdu | 5 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 150 | — |
| English | 5 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 150 | — |
| Islamiyat | 6 | — | 100 | — | 100 | U/M |
| Pakistan Studies | — | 6 | — | 100 | 100 | U/M / EM |
| Mathematics | 6 | 6 | 75 | 75 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| General Science | 6 | 6 | 75 | 75 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| Elective Subject 1 | 6 | 6 | 75 | 75 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| Elective Subject 2 | 6 | 6 | 75 | 75 | 150 | U/M / EM |
Science Group Curriculum
The Science curriculum retains a similar structure, with a total of 1200 marks distributed across core and elective subjects. Alongside Urdu, English, and Mathematics, Science students will study Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Computer Science & Entrepreneurship. Practical evaluations have been given increased weightage, emphasizing hands-on learning.
The Science curriculum also integrates co-curricular activities like quizzes, critical thinking exercises, and community engagement projects.
Science Group Scheme of Studies
| Subject/Activities | Periods IX | Periods X | Marks IX | Marks X | Total Marks | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Translation of Holy Quran | 3 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 100 | U/M |
| Urdu | 5 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 150 | — |
| English | 5 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 150 | — |
| Islamiyat | 6 | — | 100 | — | 100 | U/M |
| Pakistan Studies | — | 6 | — | 100 | 100 | U/M / EM |
| Mathematics | 6 | 6 | 75 | 75 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| Physics | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 | 60 | 60 + 30 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| Chemistry | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 | 60 | 60 + 30 | 150 | U/M / EM |
| Biology OR Computer Science | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 | 60 or 50 | 60 + 30 or 50 + 50 | 150 | U/M / EM |
Modernizing Education in Punjab
This curriculum reform reflects the Punjab government’s broader commitment to modernizing education and aligning it with current academic standards. Earlier updates to textbooks for classes 9 and 11 have paved the way for a comprehensive overhaul of the matric-level curriculum.
The emphasis on practical assessments, co-curricular activities, and elective flexibility aims to create a more dynamic and well-rounded educational framework.
With these reforms, Punjab’s education sector is poised to meet the challenges of the modern era, ensuring students are better prepared for higher education and professional success.
The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board’s updated schemes of studies are a positive step toward educational reform. By incorporating critical thinking, practical learning, and holistic development into the curriculum, the government aims to produce future-ready students capable of contributing to society.
