The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) on Wednesday issued an urgent notice clarifying the age requirements for student admissions from Class One to Class Nine in government and private secondary schools. The notice, released today (3 December 2025), includes amendments to the existing age criteria.

According to the announcement, the online application process is currently underway for admissions to the 2026 academic year in all government and private secondary schools located in metropolitan areas, district headquarters, and upazila headquarters under DSHE.

An amendment has been made to Article 2 of the Government Secondary School Admission Policy, issued by the Ministry of Education on 13 November, concerning the determination of a student’s age.

The notice states, “According to the National Education Policy 2010, admission to Class One must ensure that the student’s age is considered as 6+. However, on 1 January of the desired academic year, the minimum age must be 5 years, and by 31 December, the maximum age must be 7 years. For example, for admission in the 2026 academic year, the minimum age will be 5 years—meaning the earliest date of birth allowed is 1 January 2021—and the maximum age will be 7 years—meaning the latest date of birth allowed is 31 December 2018. To verify a student’s age, an attested copy of the online birth registration certificate must be submitted along with the admission form. Students with special needs may be granted an additional age relaxation of up to five years.”

The directive is expected to guide schools and parents as they proceed with applications for the upcoming admission cycle.