The Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training & Assessment Authority (PECTAA) has introduced the Smart Syllabus / Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) for Class 9 English for the academic session 2025–26. This syllabus is officially applicable to Rawalpindi Board and all other Punjab Boards of Intermediate & Secondary Education.
The purpose of this smart syllabus is to reduce unnecessary academic load, improve learning efficiency, and ensure fair assessment—without compromising core language skills.
This article provides a complete, accurate, and exam-focused breakdown of the syllabus, paper pattern, excluded units, and preparation strategy so students, teachers, and parents can make informed decisions.
What Is the English 9th Smart Syllabus (ALP)?
The Smart Syllabus is a streamlined version of the regular English textbook, where selected units are officially excluded from examination. Students are required to study only the remaining units, while paper setters are strictly instructed not to include content from excluded chapters.
This initiative:
- Supports focused learning
- Reduces rote memorization
- Aligns teaching with assessment
- Helps students manage time effectively
Officially Excluded Units – English Class 9 (2025–26)
According to the notification, three units are completely excluded from the compulsory English syllabus.
❌ Excluded Units List
| Unit No. | Unit Title | Page Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 5 | Women Empowerment through Entrepreneurship | 58–71 |
| Unit 8 | The Impact of Globalisation on Culture and Economy | 93–105 |
| Unit 10 | The Silent Predator & the Majestic Prey – Snow Leopard and Markhor | 120–131 |
🔴 Important:
- No objective, short, or long questions will be asked from these units.
- Teachers are advised not to teach these chapters during the session.
English Class 9 Exam Paper Pattern (2026)
Total Marks & Time
- Total Marks: 75
- Paper Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Objective Section: 20 minutes
- Subjective Section: 2 hours 10 minutes
Objective Section (MCQs) – 19 Marks
Q1: Multiple Choice Questions (19 MCQs)
MCQs are prepared from the entire English Smart syllabus, excluding Units 5, 8, and 10, plus Grammar & Composition (Classes 9–10).
MCQs Breakdown
- Correct Form of Verb – 5 Marks
(From Grammar & Composition 9–10) - Correct Spellings – 4 Marks
- Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 + Review I (except Unit 5)
- Units 7, 9, 11 + Review II (except Units 8 & 10)
- Meanings of Underlined Words – 5 Marks
- Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 + Review I
- Units 7, 9, 11 + Review II
- Grammar-Based MCQs – 5 Marks
(From full syllabus except excluded units + Grammar & Composition)
Subjective Section – 56 Marks
Q2: Short Answer Questions – 6 Marks
Part A:
- Attempt any 3 out of 5 questions
- From:
- Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 + Review I
- Units 7, 9, 11 + Review II (excluding Units 8 & 10)
Part B:
- Attempt 1 out of 2 questions
- From Unit 11: The Dear Departed (Play) + Review II (Play portion only)
Q3: Translation / Simple English – 8 Marks
- Translate any two paragraphs into Urdu OR
- Rewrite into simple English
Paragraph Distribution:
- Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 → 2 paragraphs
- Units 7 & 9 → 1 paragraph
Q4: Poetry – 5 Marks
- Write the summary of a poem
- OR
- Explain a stanza with reference to context
(One poem summary + one stanza from another poem)
Q5: Vocabulary Usage – 5 Marks
- Use any five words / phrases / idioms in sentences
Distribution:
- Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 + Review I → 3 items
- Units 7, 9, 11 + Review II → 5 items
Q6: Creative Writing – 8 Marks
- Write a letter, story, or dialogue
- From Grammar & Composition 9–10
Q7: Comprehension Passage – 10 Marks
- Read the passage and answer the questions
- From Grammar & Composition 9–10
Q8: Translation / Paragraph Writing – 5 Marks
- Translate any five sentences into English
- OR
- Write a 10-sentence paragraph (for English-medium candidates)
Q9: Change the Voice – 5 Marks
- Active to Passive / Passive to Active
- From Grammar & Composition 9–10
Also Read About: Best and Easy Ways to Score High Marks Exams
Smart Preparation Strategy (Practical Tips)
✅ Focus Only on Included Units
Do not waste time on Units 5, 8, and 10. Use that time to:
- Strengthen grammar
- Practice vocabulary
- Improve writing skills
✅ Grammar Is High-Scoring
Grammar appears in:
- MCQs
- Short questions
- Writing sections
- Voice change
Master tenses, narration, voice, and sentence correction.
✅ Play Section Is Important
Unit 11 (The Dear Departed) is guaranteed coverage in subjective questions. Prepare:
- Characters
- Themes
- Key dialogues
✅ Practice Past Papers (Smart Syllabus Based)
Use updated model papers that follow the ALP pattern—older papers may include excluded units.
Final Thoughts
The English 9th Smart Syllabus 2026 is a student-friendly and exam-oriented reform that rewards focused preparation rather than excessive memorization. By understanding the excluded units, paper pattern, and mark distribution, students can plan smarter, score better, and reduce exam stress.