The Punjab government has introduced a range of new subjects for matriculation, providing students with more diverse options beyond the traditional science and arts streams.
Starting this academic year, students will have the opportunity to pursue matriculation in fields such as information technology, technology entrepreneurship, health sciences, agricultural science, and fashion designing.
The initiative is part of the government’s effort to modernize the education system and offer skills relevant to current global demands. Punjab’s Education Minister highlighted that the introduction of these courses represents a shift from traditional education to more practical, career-focused learning.
Key Highlights of the New Courses
- Students can now select from streams like IT, health sciences, agriculture science, entrepreneurship, and fashion designing starting from Class IX.
- The major courses will carry between 100 to 150 marks.
- Students will choose their matriculation subjects at the beginning of the ninth grade.
- These courses will be prominently listed on students’ result cards.
The decision has received widespread approval, with many citizens applauding the government for its progressive approach. Parents and educators believe these new subjects will help students acquire specialized skills and better prepare them for a competitive global job market.
The School Education Department has asked district education officers to gather data on student interest in these new courses for the current academic year.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat emphasized that these courses are designed to provide students with contemporary skills and knowledge. “Previously, matriculation was limited to science and arts streams. This initiative aims to align our education system with international standards,” he said, noting that from now on, students will have the opportunity to select from a wider array of subjects.
With this forward-thinking initiative, matriculation in Punjab is no longer restricted to traditional streams. By offering career-oriented courses, the government aims to bridge the gap between education and the job market, ensuring students are better prepared for future challenges.
