Govt revises school admission policy, lifts age limit for Classes II-IX

The government has revised the school admission policy, lifting the age limit for entry into classes II to IX in all government and private secondary schools across the country. 

Students who previously could not apply due to age restrictions may now submit applications, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) said on Wednesday.

However, officials have cautioned that parents must still follow the age requirements set by education boards for student registration in specific classes.

The DSHE issued an emergency notification announcing the revision, signed by Professor Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director of the Secondary Branch. 

In the updated policy, the clause stating that “the age limit for subsequent classes will apply consecutively to students admitted in first grade” has been removed, effectively eliminating age restrictions for admission from classes two to nine.

The Education Ministry’s notice also explained that online applications for admission to classes I-IX in the 2026 academic year are currently underway. The ministry has revised the age-determination section of the policy it issued on November 13.

Under the updated guidelines, schools must ensure that students above the age of six are admitted per the National Education Policy 2010. 

For class one admission in the 2026 academic year, the minimum age requirement is five years on January 1, 2026 (date of birth no later than January 1, 2021), and the maximum age is seven years on December 31, 2025 (date of birth no later than December 31, 2018). 

Age must be verified with a certified online birth registration certificate. Students with special needs may receive up to five years of additional flexibility.

Speaking to reporters, SM Ziaul Haider Henry, Assistant Superintendent (Secondary-1) of the DSHE, said the decision was taken to address widespread complaints from parents who were unable to apply due to age restrictions.

“There were many complications regarding the age limit. Parents were expressing their frustration, and that’s why we lifted the age limit for classes II to IX,” he said.

However, he cautioned that registration requirements set by the education boards remain unchanged. “For example, the minimum age for registering in class VI this year is 9 years. If a child below that age is admitted, they will face difficulties during registration. So, students must apply for classes II to IX keeping the board’s age requirements in mind,” he added.