Class PP admission age set back to five as of 1st March of the academic year

The Ministry of Education, Skills and Development (MoESD) had earlier set the official school starting age at six years (or above 5 years and 6 months), citing children’s physical and mental readiness and international best practices. 

 However, the Prime Minister, during the 20th Meet-the-Press session, said that as per a Cabinet discussion, children can be admitted to Class PP from five years of age (60 months) as of 1st March of the academic year.

 The Director of the Department of School Education, Tashi Namgyal, explained that the ministry’s initial decision was based on both children’s overall wellbeing and examples from other countries. 

 The ministry also looked at international practices, noting that 72 percent of countries admit children to school at six years or older. 

 Earlier, to include children born just before the cutoff, the ministry had planned to admit those who were five years and six months or older.

 Many parents and communities, who were previously unhappy with the ministry’s decision to allow Class PP admission from six years of age for the 2026 academic year, are now relieved that their children will be eligible at five years of age at the time of admission.

They welcomed the decision, noting that it allows children to begin their formal education at an earlier age, helping them develop essential learning and social skills. 

The change also provides families with greater flexibility in planning for their children’s schooling and eases concerns about children falling behind compared to peers in other countries. 

Some parents and member of public expressed concern that admitting children at five might put extra pressure on young learners who may not yet be fully ready for formal schooling.

In a conversation with an official from MoESD, he said he was not aware of any discussions held regarding the change of age back to five years.

 However, he said that since the announcement of the change in Class PP admission age on 21st  August 2025, the ministry has been receiving calls and requests from parents asking to keep the starting age at five.

 He said, “Some of those who called our ministry were very frustrated, asking us about the difference of just one year between ages five and six.”

 Since the ministry stood by its decision, the official said the matter might have been referred to the Cabinet, which, after proper consideration, decided to change the starting age back to five.