RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has introduced changes in the educational enrollment system.
The announced changes will be implemented starting April 1, 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 health sciences with matrix technology, agricultural sciences with matrix technology and fashion design with matrix technology. Additionally, subjects like fashion designing and agriculture have been made compulsory for students of the respective groups.
The updated system emphasizes the development of practical skills by incorporating activities such as civil defense training, nursing and first aid, community service, debates and quizzes.
These activities will now be mandatory, with a dedicated weekly session included in the programme.
The revised enrollment program will span two years and cover grades 9 and 10, with a total of 45 weekly sessions and 1,200 assessment points.
Students can choose to study in Urdu or English, depending on their preferences.
The first annual exam under the new curriculum will be held in March 2026.
In the matric technology health sciences cluster, students will study Quran Translation, Urdu, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistani Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The agricultural science cluster will include Quran translation, Urdu, English, Islamic studies, Pakistani studies, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and agricultural sciences.
Meanwhile, the fashion design group will cover Quran translation, Urdu, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, General Science, Computer Science, Communication Skills, Fashion Design and an Internship component.
The new curriculum also involves replacing textbooks of key subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, Urdu and English.
Teachers will be provided with specialized training to adapt to the updated curriculum. Relevant government departments will support civil defense and nursing training to ensure proper implementation.
Abrar Ahmed Khan, president of Pakistan Private School Management Association, expressed support for the changes, noting that modernization of the curriculum has become essential.
He highlighted the importance of updating the curriculum every five years to adapt it to contemporary demands. The initiative is expected to enhance practical skills of students and prepare them for modern challenges, representing a progressive step for Pakistan’s education system.
