Rawalpindi Introduces New Age Criteria for School Admissions

The Rawalpindi Education Department has introduced a revised age criterion for admissions in government schools, raising concerns about a further decline in enrollment after a month-long delay in the process.

Private schools began admissions on January 15, while government schools started on April 1 following a record delay, with enrollment progressing at a slow pace.

Under the new criteria, authorities have set minimum age limits for each class. ECCE requires a minimum age of 3 years, pre-primary (Prep) 4 years, and Grade 1, 5 years.

Grade 2 requires 6 years, Grade 3, 7 years, Grade 4, 8 years, and Grade 5, 9 years. Grade 6 requires 10 years, Grade 7, 11 years, Grade 8, 12 years, Grade 9, 13 years, and Grade 10, 14 years or above.

Authorities stated that students must be at least 13 years old at the time of registration for Grade 9 board examinations. Parents have been advised to consider the age schedule when applying for admissions.