School admissions
How to get your child into a government or private school in Pakistan, including age, documents and when to apply.
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
Every child aged 5 to 16 has the right to free education in a government school. Private schools set their own admission rules, tests and fees.
Right to free education
Article 25-A of the Constitution says the state must provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 5 to 16. Education is run by the provinces, and each has its own law:
- Islamabad: Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012
- Sindh: Sindh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2013
- Punjab: Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Act 2014
- Balochistan: Balochistan Compulsory Education Act 2014
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Free Compulsory Primary and Secondary Education Act 2017
In Sindh, private schools must give free places to children from disadvantaged families, at least 10% of each class from class 1 to 10.
Age
Most children start class 1 at the age of 5. Many schools also have early years classes, such as nursery or prep, for children aged 3 to 5.
Each province and each private school sets its own age rules. For example, Islamabad's government schools use these ages:
| Class | Age |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education (ECE) I | 3 to 4 |
| ECE II (prep) | 4 to 5 |
| Class 1 | 5 to 6 |
Documents you need
Schools usually ask for:
- your child's Child Registration Certificate (CRC), also called B-Form, or a birth certificate from the Union Council
- copies of the parents' or guardian's identity cards
- recent photographs of your child
- a School Leaving Certificate and last result card, if your child is moving from another school
- a vaccination or polio card, in some schools
If you have not registered your child's birth, register the birth at the Union Council first.
Government schools in Islamabad do not refuse admission because a child does not have a B-Form. In Punjab, a B-Form number is needed later to register for class 5 and class 8 board exams.
When to apply
The school year starts in April in most of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad. Admissions usually open in March. Schools in colder northern areas may follow a different calendar.
Provinces run enrolment campaigns in spring to bring children who are out of school into government schools.
Government schools by province
To find a government school or check admission rules, contact your local school or the education department:
- Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad (opens in new tab)
- School Education Department, Punjab (opens in new tab)
- School Education and Literacy Department, Sindh (opens in new tab)
- Elementary and Secondary Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (opens in new tab)
- School Education Department, Balochistan (opens in new tab)
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