February 18: Schools across the kingdom are struggling to cope with the mounting admission pressure. School authorities in Gelephu Lower Secondary school had to conduct a second round of selection interview to take in additional pre-primary students.

At the Gelephu lower secondary school, anxious parents and children wait outside to seek admission. For many this is not their first such interview this academic season. Getting school admission is becoming increasingly difficult every year. School authorities are struggling to handle the increasing admission pressure.

The second round of selection interview was conducted to accommodate as many students as they can. Around 80 students were admitted. Jambay Dorji, the school’s principal said the school is planning to use the prayer hall as classrooms for pre-primary section.

Age is one of the criteria for enrolling pre primary students. Children have to be six years or above to get admission in pre-primary. The parents produce the children’s health card to prove the age.

The school’s principal said some parents even increase the age of their children in a desperate attempt to get admission for their children.