The Federal Board has announced that HSSC First Year exams 2026 will start on April 28, with full details on admission deadlines, fees and exemptions.
Exam Date and Annual Schedule for 2026
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially announced the schedule for the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) First Year Annual Examinations 2026. According to the notification, the exams will begin on 28 April 2026, giving students a clear target to plan their final preparation.
Along with the exam date, the board has released the full timetable and admission schedule. This includes the opening of online forms, last dates for submission and the complete fee structure for different categories of candidates. By sharing the details early, the board aims to help students avoid last-minute confusion and focus on their studies.
Admission Form Deadlines and Late Fee Windows
FBISE has opened online admissions for all students appearing in the First Year examinations. Candidates can submit their examination forms with the normal fee up to 3 February 2026. Students are strongly advised to use this window to avoid paying any additional charges.
For those who miss the normal deadline, the board has provided late fee options, but at higher cost. Forms will be accepted with a double fee from 4 February to 12 February. After this, a final late window will remain open from 13 February to 24 February, during which forms can be submitted with a triple fee. After 24 February, forms are not normally entertained, so students should plan carefully and avoid unnecessary delays.
Fee Structure for First Year and Combined Candidates
The Federal Board has also confirmed the examination fee structure for HSSC candidates. For First Year students only, the standard examination fee has been fixed at Rs2,700. Unregistered candidates, who do not already have a registration with the board, will be charged a higher amount of Rs4,200.
For those appearing in both First Year and Second Year together, the combined examination fee has been set at Rs5,400. This structure applies to regular, private and improvement candidates, with the main difference coming from registration status and whether candidates are appearing in one part or both parts together.
In addition, the board has announced a Rs2,000 charge for corrections in admission forms or rectification of personal details on the roll number slip. Students should therefore be careful while filling out their forms to avoid extra costs and delays.
Fee Exemptions for Special Categories of Students
To support vulnerable groups, the Federal Board has introduced important fee exemptions. According to the announcement, orphans, persons with disabilities and prisoner candidates will be exempted from paying the examination fee. This policy aims to ensure that deserving candidates are not blocked from continuing their education due to financial hardship.
However, even exempted candidates must still follow the proper procedure for submitting forms and meeting deadlines. They should confirm their eligibility and keep all relevant documents ready in case the board requires proof during verification.
How Students Should Plan for the 2026 Exams
With the exam date and fee schedule now public, students have a clear timeline for their academic and administrative planning. Those who intend to appear in HSSC First Year 2026 should start by filling their forms early, double-checking all personal details and paying the correct fee before the normal deadline.
It is also wise for students to build a study plan counting backwards from 28 April, leaving time for revision, past paper practice and mock tests. School administrations and coaching centres can support candidates by reminding them of key dates, especially the cut-off points for double and triple fee submissions.
By staying organised, meeting admission deadlines and focusing on steady preparation, candidates can approach the 2026 Federal Board exams with more confidence and fewer administrative worries.
