Government to Ban Entrance Prep Classes and Bridge Courses from April 14

The Government of Nepal has announced a complete ban on entrance exam preparation classes and bridge courses, effective from Baisakh 1 (April 14).

The decision was made by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, citing concerns over the negative impact on students’ mental well-being and the education system, as well as the financial burden placed on families.

Why the Ban Was Introduced

According to the Ministry, many institutions have been running these programs even before official admission processes begin, creating unnecessary pressure on students. Authorities believe such practices:

• Affect students’ psychological health
• Promote unfair competition in admissions
• Increase financial stress on parents

The Ministry concluded that these courses do not contribute positively to the overall education system and instead create imbalance and inequality among students.

Official Decision and Implementation

Ministry spokesperson and Joint Secretary Shivakumar Sapkota confirmed that the decision was approved at the ministerial level on Chaitra 13 (March 26).

Following this, all concerned institutions have been instructed to immediately stop operating such programs from April 14 onward.

To ensure compliance, the government has directed authorities to closely monitor educational institutions.

• District Administration Offices have been assigned to oversee enforcement
• Legal action will be taken against any institution violating the rule
• Programs found running after the deadline will face penalties under existing laws

With this move, the government aims to reduce academic pressure on students, promote fair access to education, and eliminate unnecessary expenses for families. The ban marks a significant step toward reforming Nepal’s education system and ensuring a more balanced learning environment.