The previous Awami League government had taken the initiative to extend primary education up to the eighth grade in accordance with the National Education Policy 2010.
However, due to a lack of necessary infrastructure and a shortage of teachers in primary schools, the interim government has decided to withdraw from this initiative. As a result, from the 2026 academic year, primary education will remain up to the fifth grade.
The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued directives to halt admissions for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in primary schools.
Recently, a letter containing instructions on this matter has been sent to the Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education and other relevant authorities.
However, this directive will only apply to those primary schools that currently offer education up to the eighth grade.
The order states that, as per the National Education Policy 2010, the duration of primary education was to be extended from five years to eight years, reaching up to the eighth grade.
However, considering academic activities, the schools lack the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, there is a shortage of teachers and a gap in their skills.
The decision to stop admissions in the sixth grade was made based on findings from the Consultation Committee’s report on improving the quality of primary and non-formal education.
Therefore, an order has been issued to take the necessary measures to stop admissions in the sixth to eighth grades in the affected schools from the 2026 academic year.
