Pakistan school calendar 2026‑27: holidays, exams and vacations province by province
Parents and teachers across Pakistan are busy planning the academic year 2026‑27. The federal Ministry of Education released a provisional calendar in early June, but each province tailors holidays, exam windows and vacation periods to local festivals and climate. This guide walks through the key dates for Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, highlighting when schools close for Ramadan, Eid, winter breaks and provincial holidays. Understanding the timetable helps families avoid clashes with travel plans and ensures students are ready for board examinations.
National framework and the start of the year
The federal calendar sets 1 August 2026 as the official start of the school year for all public and many private institutions. This aligns with the traditional summer break, allowing families to enjoy the monsoon season before classes resume. The first term runs until the end of October, when the first set of mid‑term assessments are scheduled.
While the start date is uniform, the Ministry leaves room for provinces to insert additional days for regional festivals. For instance, the Eid‑ul‑Fitr holiday in August may be observed a day earlier in Sindh than in Punjab, depending on moon‑sighting announcements from provincial committees.
Punjab: longest holiday stretch and exam windows
Punjab’s education department announced a three‑week summer break from 1 July to 31 July 2026, followed by the national start on 1 August. The province adds a two‑day closure for Pakistan Day on 23 March 2027, and a week‑long winter break from 20 December to 26 December 2026.
Examination periods are clustered in two windows: the first board exams for grade 10 and 12 will be held from 15 November to 30 November 2026, while the second series is slated for 10 January to 25 January 2027. The provincial calendar also reserves 5 days in May for the annual Punjab Festival, during which schools remain open but may adjust timetables.
Sindh: synchronising with agricultural cycles
Sindh’s calendar reflects the province’s agrarian rhythm. After the national start on 1 August, schools observe a week‑long closure for the Sindh Harvest Festival from 12 September to 18 September 2026. The province also grants a three‑day holiday for Ashura in early August, based on the lunar calendar.
Board examinations for secondary students are scheduled a little later than in Punjab: the first session runs from 20 November to 5 December 2026, and the second from 15 January to 31 January 2027. A notable feature is the “Winter Learning Week” from 22 December to 28 December 2026, during which schools stay open but reduce daily teaching hours to accommodate cold‑weather travel challenges.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: winter focus and provincial festivals
K‑P follows the national start date but adds a distinct winter holiday from 24 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, reflecting the province’s colder climate. The province also observes a three‑day “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture Day” in early November, during which schools conduct cultural programmes instead of regular classes.
Exams are compressed into a tighter window: the first board series for grade 10 and 12 runs from 10 November to 25 November 2026, and the second from 5 January to 20 January 2027. The provincial education authority recommends a “study‑break” of five days in late October to allow students to review before the intense exam period.
Balochistan: extended spring break and flexible exam dates
Balochistan’s calendar is the most flexible, with an extended spring break from 1 April to 14 April 2027, coinciding with local tribal festivals. The province also observes a two‑day holiday for National Mourning Day on 30 December 2026.
Board examinations are scheduled later than in other provinces: the first session is from 5 December 2026 to 20 December 2026, and the second from 10 February to 25 February 2027. This staggered approach helps schools manage the logistical challenges of delivering exams across remote districts.
Key dates at a glance
| Province | Summer Break | Winter Break | Major Exam Window (Grade 10/12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 1‑31 July 2026 | 20‑26 Dec 2026 | 15‑30 Nov 2026 & 10‑25 Jan 2027 |
| Sindh | 1‑31 July 2026 | 22‑28 Dec 2026 | 20‑5 Dec 2026 & 15‑31 Jan 2027 |
| K‑P | 1‑31 July 2026 | 24 Dec 2026‑2 Jan 2027 | 10‑25 Nov 2026 & 5‑20 Jan 2027 |
| Balochistan | 1‑31 July 2026 | 30‑31 Dec 2026 | 5‑20 Dec 2026 & 10‑25 Feb 2027 |
“Consistent communication with parents about holiday schedules reduces absenteeism and helps us plan remedial classes effectively,” says Dr Saima Khan, Provincial Director of Education, Punjab.
Quick answers
When does the 2026‑27 school year begin?
All provinces start on 1 August 2026, following the national directive.
What is the longest continuous holiday in any province?
Balochistan’s spring break spans two weeks from 1 April to 14 April 2027.
When are the board exams for grade 12 scheduled?
Punjab, Sindh and K‑P hold their first exams in November 2026 and a second series in January 2027; Balochistan’s exams are in December 2026 and February 2027.
Are there any special holidays for religious festivals?
Yes. All provinces close for Eid‑ul‑Fitr, Eid‑ul‑Adha, Ashura and Ramadan‑related holidays, with exact dates announced by provincial moon‑sighting committees.
