The Punjab Education Initiatives Management Authority has finally published the date sheet of the mid-term School-Based Assessment (SBA) tests in the academic session of 202526. The exams will be done by Grade 1 to Grade 8 students in the province.
Going by the new schedule released, the initial SBA test will be held on 12 December 2025. The department has also announced the new school timings and the plan of the winter vacation in 202526 along with the assessment schedule.
Revised School Timings Effective from December 8
The Punjab Education Department has converted its school timing to reduced hours, effective 8 December 2025, to adapt to seasonal shifts and the safety of students in the colder seasons.
Morning Shift Schools
- 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Two-hour academic schedule)
Afternoon Shift Schools
- 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday Timings
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
These are the modified timings in both government and non-government schools in Punjab.
Punjab Winter Vacation Schedule 2025
The Punjab government has resolved the official winter holidays to all educational institutions in the province. Schools will be closed since:
- 23 December 2025 to 10 January 2026
Schools will reopen on:
- 13 January 2026 (Monday)
This homogeneity in holiday schedule means that all public and private schools in Punjab open at the same time.
Extended Winter Break Announced in Balochistan
Whereas Punjab has declared its winter holidays, Balochistan has already decided to have a longer winter holiday because the weather in the high altitude areas is so severe.
Balochistan Winter Vacation (Cold Regions)
- Start: 16 December 2025
- End: 1 March 2026
- Duration: Two and a half months
These extended holidays aim to protect students from extreme temperatures.
Ongoing Exams in Chaman
In the Chaman region:
- Exams for Grades 1 to 7 started on 16 November 2025 and will end on 24 November 2025.
- Grade 8 exams under the Balochistan Board will commence on 24 November 2025.
The new school timing in Punjab, the upcoming SBA examinations, and the schedule of winter holidays are all clear and convenient to the students, teachers, and parents as the cold season comes near. As soon as the shortened school hours began on 8 December and winter holidays on 23 December, now the families can plan them. Meanwhile, schools in Balochistan will have a long winter holiday as the weather conditions are more severe.
