The Ministry of Education has released the admission policy for government schools, allowing students to be enrolled not only in the entry (admission) class but also in any class up to Class 9, subject to seat availability.
The Secondary and Higher Education Division issued the policy on Thursday, signed by Secretary Rehana Parveen.
According to the guidelines, schools must admit students above the age of six. However, for the upcoming academic year, the minimum age on 1 January has been set at five years, and the maximum age on 31 December at seven years.
Age requirements for higher classes will be determined based on the student’s age at the time of admission to Class 1. Applicants must submit a certified online birth registration certificate with their admission form. Students with special needs may receive a maximum age relaxation of five additional years.
The policy states that the 2026 academic year will run from 1 January to 31 December. Each section of every class may admit a maximum of 55 students.
Admission dates and fees
The Secondary and Higher Education Division will set the date, time, and application fee for the centrally conducted digital lottery. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) will carry out all activities related to the admission process through this central lottery system.
School preference system
Students may select up to five government secondary schools when applying. However, in the case of double-shift schools, choosing both shifts will be counted as two preferences.
To ensure greater transparency in the online Admission system, applicants must finalize and confirm one institution from their list of preferred schools. This requirement will be integrated into the software.
Catchment area
As in previous years, 44 government secondary schools in Dhaka will be divided into three groups. Heads of institutions may designate up to three adjacent police stations as their school’s catchment area. Forty percent of seats will remain reserved for students within the catchment area.
Quota breakdown
The 40% quota for catchment areas remains unchanged. Additionally, quotas include – 5% for children of freedom fighters, 2% for students with special needs.
There is also a 1% quota for children of officials and employees of the Ministry of Education and its subordinate agencies. This year, that 1% has been divided equally – 0.5% for officials of the Ministry of Education, 0.5% for officials of its affiliated departments and agencies.
Changes have also been made regarding twin and sibling quotas. Last year’s 3% quota for twins has been reduced to 2%, while the sibling quota has been increased from 2% to 3%. Both quotas will apply for up to three children of the same parents.
Additionally, for admission to Class 6, 10% of seats must be reserved for students who completed Class 5 from government primary schools.
Tentative dates for applications and lottery
According to the policy, DSHE will finalise the schedule for admission circulars, applications, lotteries, and enrollment. In a meeting held on 10 November, a tentative timeline was outlined.
As per the decision, the admission circular will be published by 19 November. Online applications will open on 21 November and continue until 7 December. The digital lottery is likely to be held on 14 December. Selected students will complete admission between 17 and 21 December.
