Every year, millions of students around Pakistan (and in other countries) sit for their Class 10 (matric / SSC) board exams — a key milestone in their academic life. The 2025 10th exam holds particular importance as students complete their secondary education, qualify for higher secondary school, and make plans for future academic or career paths.
Understanding the exact schedule, board-specific timing, exam rules, and how to prepare can make a big difference. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 10th exam dates in 2025, board by board, with practical advice and insights.
1. Overview of 10th Exams in 2025
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In Punjab, for most boards, the Class 10 annual exams for 2025 began on 4 March 2025. Ilmkidunya+29thclassresults.com.pk+2
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According to Ilmkidunya, the morning session of papers starts at 8:30 AM, and the evening session begins at 1:30 PM (except Fridays, when evening session starts at 2:30 PM). Ilmkidunya
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For the Federal Board (FBISE), the SSC (10th) exams began on 18 March 2025. FBISE
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In Malakand Board, the 10th exam was scheduled to start on 08 April 2025, as per their gazette. bisemalakand.edu.pk
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According to BISE Faisalabad’s exam department, the written exams ran from 04 March 2025 to 18 April 2025, while practical exams spanned from 23 April to 22 May 2025. Result.pk
These dates, of course, are for the first annual (regular) exams in 2025. Some boards may have additional exams, re-exams, or supplementary schedules.
2. Board-Wise Breakdown of 10th Exam Dates for 2025
To give a clear picture, here are some of the specific board-wise exam start dates and additional details:
| Board | 10th Exam Start Date (2025) | Notes / Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Boards (Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi, etc.) | 04 March 2025 Ilmkidunya+2Pakistan Observer+2 | Morning and evening sessions; date sheet released in February. HamariWeb E-News+1 |
| Federal Board (FBISE) | 18 March 2025 FBISE | SSC Part I & II exams begin; time schedule published. FBISE |
| BISE Malakand | 08 April 2025 bisemalakand.edu.pk | According to the result gazette, exam commences then. bisemalakand.edu.pk |
| BISE Multan | 29 September 2025 (for certain exam session) PAKISTAN HUB 360 | According to a “revised date sheet” from Multan Board. PAKISTAN HUB 360 |
| BISE Bannu | 08 October 2025 (SSC Annual II) BISE BANNU | For the Annual-II exam as published in their admission notification. BISE BANNU |
3. Why There Is Variation Between Boards
The differences in exam dates between boards happen because:
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Autonomy of Boards: Each provincial or regional board (like BISE Lahore, BISE Multan, etc.) organizes its own exam schedule.
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Multiple Sessions: Some boards conduct more than one “annual” exam (Annual I, Annual II) or supplementary exams.
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Local Considerations: Holiday calendars (like religious holidays), or board-specific administrative reasons can shift schedules.
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Exam Type: Practical exams often follow the written exams, so their timeline is different.
4. Key Instructions & Guidelines for Students
Knowing the exam date is not sufficient — how students use that time, and how they manage the exam itself, is equally important. Here are key guidelines:
a) Admit Cards / Roll Number Slips
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Make sure to collect your roll number slip/admit card early — ideally a few days before the exam.
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Check your exam centre, subjects, and timings as printed on the slip.
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Carry the original roll number slip with you to the exam hall.
b) Exam Timing
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For Punjab boards, morning papers start at 8:30 AM. Ilmkidunya
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For evening shifts, many boards begin at 1:30 PM, but on Fridays, the exam may start at 2:30 PM. Ilmkidunya
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Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress.
c) Prohibited Items
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Electronic gadgets like mobile phones are typically not allowed inside exam halls. PAKISTAN HUB 360
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Make sure you only bring permitted items (pens, pencils, ID, roll number slip).
d) Practical Exams
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Practical tests often happen after written exams.
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For boards like Faisalabad, the practical session ran from 23 April to 22 May 2025. Result.pk
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Be aware of your batch timing for practical exams (morning, second batch, third batch, etc.). Ilmkidunya
5. Challenges Faced by Students
The 2025 exam schedule poses a few challenges for students:
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Ramadan Overlap: For some boards, the exams overlap with Ramadan, which could affect students’ energy levels, daily routines, and study schedules. HamariWeb E-News
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Long Exam Period: With practicals continuing into May for some boards, students need to maintain focus over an extended period. Result.pk
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Anxiety & Pressure: The importance of 10th exam results for future academic opportunities can create stress.
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Logistics: Students may need to travel to exam centers, particularly for practical exams, which might disrupt study routines.
6. How to Use This Schedule for Effective Preparation
Here are some strategies students can use, given the 2025 exam timeline:
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Create a Study Plan: Based on your date sheet, divide your syllabus into manageable parts. Focus more time on difficult subjects.
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Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions. Use previous years’ papers or sample papers to practice under timed conditions.
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Time Management: Since exams are split into morning and evening shifts for some boards, practice studying in both time slots to adapt.
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Revision Strategy: Use the gap before the exams to revise systematically. Closer to the exam, switch to concise notes.
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Self-Care: Especially if fasting (during Ramadan), maintain a balance: proper sleep, balanced food at sahur and iftar, and short, focused study sessions.
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Stay Updated: Regularly check your board’s official website or notifications in case there are any changes in exam dates or paper scheduling.
7. After the Exams: What to Expect
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Results: After exams, boards will compile and grade answer sheets. For example, BISE Faisalabad already declared that its first annual SSC result was released on 24 July 2025. Result.pk
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Supplementary Exams: If a student fails any subject, many boards offer supplementary exams later. (Note: schedule varies by board.)
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Transition to Higher Secondary: Once results are out, students will often choose between science, arts, commerce, or vocational streams for 11th grade, depending on their performance and interests.
8. Conclusion
The 10th exam date for 2025 is a major milestone for students across Pakistan. With the primary exams starting as early as 4 March (Punjab boards) and other boards like Federal Board beginning in mid-March, it’s essential for students to gear up early for their preparations. The extended timeline—including practical exams—is a double-edged sword: offering more time but also requiring consistent focus and discipline.
Ultimately, knowing the exact dates, understanding exam logistics, and planning smartly can help students maximize their performance. Success in 10th grade not only reflects on students’ current academic achievements but also paves the way for their future educational and career paths.
