Dhaka, Nov. 11 -- Private schools will admit students to Class 1 through a lottery, while applicants for Classes 2 to 9 will have to sit written admission tests under the new policy for the 2027 academic year.

The Secondary and Higher Education Division of the education ministry issued the policy on Tuesday. It covers private schools, school-and-college institutions and their attached primary sections.

Children seeking admission to Class 1 must be at least six and no older than seven on Jan 1, 2027.

Those born between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2020, will be eligible. Children with special needs may receive an age concession of up to five years.

Schools will prepare a waiting list containing an equal number of candidates to fill any vacancies ...