Allama Iqbal Open University, which offers academic programs ranging from matriculation to doctorate, has announced the start of online applications for the Spring Semester 2026 nationwide.

All four provinces, along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the northern regions, will accept applications starting on January 1, 2026, according to a press statement released on Sunday.

International students and Pakistanis residing overseas will also have access to certain programs offered by the university.

According to the university, prospectuses and admission forms for every program will be available online from the beginning of admissions via its official website, enabling candidates to apply from home.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood has ordered the creation of Student Facilitation Centers at all 53 regional offices prior to the start of admissions in order to assist students.

In order to assist students in completing the online application process, these locations will offer free computer and internet access as well as advice to candidates.

Owing to the institution, these actions are intended to maximize assistance for students across the country and make the admissions process more accessible.

KP Bans Exams in Private Schools

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has banned private schools from conducting exams during the winter break.

The authority stated in an official notification on December 26 that it had seen that several private schools had disclosed exam timetables over the Christmas break, which is against previous orders.

All private schools were instructed by the PSRA to immediately cancel any exams scheduled for this time.

Institutions that disobeyed the notification will face severe disciplinary action. The KP-PSRA Act of 2017 and the pertinent regulations drafted in 2018 will serve as the basis for this action.

The authorities emphasized that all previously issued recommendations must be followed without exception and reaffirmed that no private school or institute is allowed to hold tests during winter breaks.

In the meantime, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already declared winter break for both public and private schools, with varying timetables according to climate zones.

Schools in winter zones will take a lengthier break from December 22, 2025, to February 28, 2026, while those in summer zones would stay closed from January 1 to January 15.

As a way to protect students and staff, the decision was made in light of the severe weather, which included heavy fog and snowfall in some places, especially in steep terrain.