The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has announced a significant change in the question paper pattern for the annual examinations of classes VIII, X and XII from the 2026-27 academic year.In a circular issued on Wednesday to all District Education Officers (Secondary) across the state, the board stated that 50 per cent questions would be drawn from the subject matter of the textbook but beyond the chapter-end exercises, while the remaining 50 per cent would be set from the question bank based on the exercises given at the end of each chapter in the prescribed textbooks.The board said the change had been introduced to strengthen conceptual understanding of students.All DEOs have been directed to instruct teachers imparting education in these classes within their respective districts to carefully note the changes and prepare students for the board examinations strictly in accordance with the revised pattern.