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Private tuition continues to be a concern as demand for supplementary academic support grows, particularly in urban areas, raising concerns about equal access for students from families who cannot afford additional tuition.
The Education Minister, Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, said that private tuition and other supplementary education services are regulated under the TVET Quality and Qualifications Regulation and Quality Standards 2026.
Lyonpo said, “Providers are required to register with BQPCA and meet minimum standards relating to tutor qualifications, class size, learner welfare, child protection, safety and professional conduct.”
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD)-recommended class size is no more than 25 learners, and Supplementary Education Service (SES) centres can provide tuition only to students from Class VI and above.
“Public school teachers are not permitted to provide paid private tuition where it constitutes private employment or commercial activity, in accordance with the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations (BCSR) 2023,” Lyonpo said.
At present, BQPCA has registered 16 Supplementary Education Service centres, with 10 in Thimphu, four in Phuentsholing, and one each in Paro and Samdrup Jongkhar.
The MoESD does not prescribe tuition fees, which are determined by individual providers.
The Education Minister said that she is concerned about the equity implications of private tuition, as some students can afford additional tuition while others cannot.
However, the ministry is strengthening remedial classes and other school-based academic support to provide additional learning support to students within schools.
