The Punjab Curriculum and Textbooks (PCTB) has introduced changes in the matriculation education system.

The announced changes will be implemented from 1 April 2025.

Under the new framework, three academic groups have been introduced and all existing science textbooks will be replaced.

The revised curriculum includes new options including Matric Tech Health Sciences, Matric Tech Agriculture Sciences and Matric Tech Fashion Designing. In addition, subjects like fashion design and agriculture have become compulsory for students in the respective groups.

The updated system emphasizes practical skill development by incorporating activities such as civil defense training, nursing and first aid, community service, debates and quizzes.

These activities will now be compulsory with a dedicated weekly session included in the schedule.

The revised matriculation program will span two years and cover grades 9 and 10 with a total of 45 weekly sessions and 1,200 marks for assessments.

Students can choose to study in either Urdu or English depending on their preference.

The first annual examination under the new curriculum will be held in March 2026.

In the Matric Tech Health Sciences Group, students study Quranic Translation, Urdu, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The Agricultural Science Group will include Quran Translation, Urdu, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.

Meanwhile, the Fashion Designing Group covers Quran Translation, URDU, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, General Science, Computer Science, Communication Skills, Fashion Design and an internship.

The new curriculum also involves replacement of textbooks for key subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Urdu and English.

Teachers are given special training to adapt to the updated curriculum. Civil defense and nursing education will be supported by the relevant government departments to ensure proper implementation.

Abrar Ahmed Khan, president of All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, expressed support for the changes and noted that curriculum modernization has become important.

He emphasized the importance of updating the syllabus every five years to adapt to contemporary requirements. The initiative is expected to improve students’ practical skills and prepare them for modern challenges, representing a progressive step for Pakistan’s education system.