Education authorities have approved a significant change to intermediate-level admission rules, expanding eligibility criteria and opening new academic pathways for students from different educational backgrounds starting in 2026.
Under the new policy, students who complete matriculation in arts or humanities will be allowed to seek admission in science-related streams at the intermediate level.
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This includes eligibility for pre-medical, pre-engineering, computer science (ICS), and other science groups, following a major policy change approved by education authorities.
The decision will take effect from the first annual Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations of 2026.
The policy was approved during a meeting of the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC).
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In a notification issued by IBCC Director Dr Shehzad Ali Gul, it was confirmed that the revised admission criteria will apply to students appearing in SSC exams from 2026 onwards.
According to the notification, the decision was taken after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Education officials described the move as a “historic decision,” saying it will open new academic pathways for thousands of arts students across the country who were previously restricted to limited options after matriculation.
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Separately, the Punjab education minister had earlier announced that matriculation and intermediate examinations in 2026 will be held after Eid ul Fitr.
Matric exams were initially scheduled to begin on March 3, while the intermediate exam timetable was still under review at the time.
The minister said the decision was made to provide relief to students during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, ensuring they can prepare for exams without added pressure during the festive period.
