School admission test will be 'nominal', no need for coaching: Education Minister

There is no reason for parents to worry about the dependence on coaching surrounding the school admission test from the next academic year, said Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon.

He made this comment at a press conference held at the Education Ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat on Thursday (June 18).

The Education Minister said that the government has decided to introduce admission tests instead of lottery for student admission to government and private schools from the 2028 academic year. However, this test will be 'nominal' and there will be no need to rely on coaching centers for this.

He said that the admission opportunities of students will be ensured through a combination of catchment areas and easy tests, so that students of all classes get equal opportunities. It is known that many parents have started sending their children to coaching since the announcement of bringing back the admission test. However, the ministry has said that there is no need for such preparation.

At the press conference, the Minister said that the 2026 HSC and equivalent exams will start from July 2. This time, all education boards will conduct the exam with a common question paper.

He also said that alternative arrangements have been made to deal with natural disasters such as storms, heavy rains or floods and the question papers will be delivered in advance so that the exam is not disrupted.

Also present at the press conference were State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Prime Minister's Education Advisor Dr. Mahdi Amin and various top officials of the education administration.