Exams Postponed Till 15 June 2021 Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases in Pakistan

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mehmood, announced a series of decisions regarding academic examinations following a National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) meeting, in response to the worsening COVID-19 situation across the country.

Due to a sharp increase in coronavirus cases nationwide, examinations for O-Level and A-Level students have been cancelled and rescheduled for the October/November examination cycle.

However, A2 examinations will proceed as per the previously issued schedule. This exception applies to cases where postponement is deemed unavoidable, particularly for students intending to apply to foreign universities for the upcoming academic session commencing in September. These examinations will be conducted under strict COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), including a maximum limit of 50 students per examination venue and the deployment of law enforcement personnel to ensure compliance.

In addition, all other examinations have been postponed until 15 June 2021. A final decision regarding further continuation or additional delay will be made in mid-May, based on the evolving pandemic situation.
The minister also indicated via social media that universities may be advised to offer provisional admissions to A2 students whose examinations have been deferred to October 2021, in order to prevent disruption to their academic progression.

These measures have been taken in light of the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan and remain subject to review depending on future public health developments.