Punjab may soon see a major shift in its academic calendar as authorities move toward reducing summer vacations in schools and colleges. A special committee, formed on the directions of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, has proposed cutting the long summer break to improve learning outcomes and ensure timely completion of syllabi across the province.
The recommendation is part of broader reforms aimed at standardizing the education system and addressing concerns over declining academic performance.
Committee Recommends 190 Teaching Days Annually
According to official details, the committee has proposed a standardized academic calendar that would require all public and private schools and colleges in Punjab to complete 190 teaching days every year. This move is intended to bring uniformity to the education system and reduce discrepancies between institutions.
The committee held three meetings over four months, with the final recommendations approved during its third session. Education officials believe that fixing the number of instructional days will help students, especially those in senior classes, better prepare for exams.
Summer Vacations Likely to Be Cut to Six Weeks
One of the most notable recommendations is the proposal to reduce summer vacations from around two and a half months to just six weeks. At present, extended summer breaks are seen as a major factor behind learning gaps and unfinished syllabi.
Under the new plan, the total number of annual holidays would be capped at 175 days, while academic days would remain fixed at 190. Education experts argue that shorter breaks could help maintain learning continuity without significantly increasing academic pressure.
Private Schools Support the Proposal
Interestingly, private school associations across Punjab have endorsed the committee’s recommendations. Many private institutions have long argued that excessive holidays disrupt academic planning and force rushed syllabus completion later in the year.
Their support is being seen as a key factor that could ease implementation, as any changes to the academic calendar typically affect both public and private sectors.
Education Department Asked to Draft Uniform Calendar
Following the committee’s findings, Special Secretary School Education Muhammad Iqbal directed the Punjab Education Curriculum and Training Authority (PECTA) and the Director Public Instruction (DPI) for secondary and elementary education to prepare a uniform academic calendar within three days.
This calendar is expected to clearly define teaching days, examination periods, and holidays, ensuring consistency across the province.
Why the Change Is Being Considered
The committee observed that the growing number of holidays each year has negatively impacted academic performance, particularly in higher classes where courses are often left incomplete. The issue was highlighted during hearings of a writ petition challenging the frequent increase in holidays.
The committee was constituted by Justice Jawad Hassan while hearing the case at the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench. Its third and final meeting took place in Lahore under the chairmanship of the Secretary Schools Education.
What This Means for Students and Parents
If approved, the proposed changes could reshape the school year in Punjab, with shorter summer vacations but a more structured academic schedule. While some parents may have concerns about reduced breaks during extreme heat, officials argue that better planning and adjusted timings could offset these challenges.
The final decision is expected after the education department reviews and submits the proposed academic calendar, making this a closely watched development for students, parents, and educators across Punjab.
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