Punjab to re-introduce board exams for classes 5, 8

The Punjab government has decided to re-introduce examinations for primary and middle standards to give a boost to the academic standards in government schools, a minister said on Sunday.

Education Minister Daljeet Singh Cheema said various stakeholders were consulted while taking the decision in the larger interest of the students.

"It has been conveyed to the government by the public, representatives of almost all the political parties and also the educational experts to re-introduce the examination system for these classes to ensure a better academic scenario in the government schools," Cheema said.

"The Punjab government is firm on the decision and all the formalities have been completed in this regard," he said.

Cheema said 225,786 students were enrolled in the 13,053 primary schools and 3,907 examination centres will be set up for the conduct of examinations.

Similarly, 2,347 examination centres will be set up for 233,013 students enrolled in 8th class of 6,286 of middle, high and senior secondary schools in the state.

The examination system for these classes was abolished some years back due to the 'no detention' policy of the central government.