Primary School Class 5: Class 5 Added to Primary in State! Education Department Issues Big Notification for 3238 Schools

Primary School Class 5: Today marks a significant day in the state’s education system. On December 18, 2025, the West Bengal School Education Department witnessed a major shift in the history of primary education. Through a special notification issued today, the government has announced a substantial restructuring in the infrastructure and academic levels of primary schools across the state. Ending long standing speculations, the government has declared that Class 5 will now be included in thousands of primary schools in the state.

Changes in 3,238 Schools from the New Academic Year

According to the newly released directive from the School Education Department, a total of 3,238 primary schools in the state have been identified for the introduction of Class 5. Until now, most primary schools in the state offered education up to Class 4, and students had to enroll in Upper Primary or High Schools to continue into Class 5. However, with this new decision, students in these specific 3,238 schools will be able to continue their studies up to Class 5 within their own school premises.

This change will come into effect from the upcoming Academic Year 2026. This means that students enrolling in the next academic session will benefit from this facility. The decision has been taken primarily in alignment with the ‘Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act’ (RTE Act).

Administrative Action and Role of DPSC

The state government’s directive clearly states that administrative activity at the district level needs to be ramped up to complete this process smoothly. Every District Primary School Council (DPSC) has been instructed to take immediate necessary steps. The responsibility of verifying whether the classrooms, benches, and other infrastructure required to conduct Class 5 classes are in place will fall upon the district administration.

A section of teachers believes that this decision will increase the number of students in primary schools and reduce the dropout rate. Children will be relieved from the fear of changing schools at a tender age, which will aid in their psychological development. The entire state is now waiting for this new rule to be implemented from 2026.

RTE Act and Relevance

The driving force behind this decision is the Right to Education Act. According to this act, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure primary education for children up to a certain age limit. In many cases, it is observed that after passing Class 4, many rural students drop out due to complications in the admission process to high schools or due to distance. Bringing Class 5 into the primary level is expected to significantly mitigate this problem. This is undoubtedly a positive step on the state’s education map.