In a move that has sparked widespread confusion and criticism, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST) has removed a controversial notice from its official website regarding the closure of entrance and bridge courses.
The Ministry had initially issued a statement on Sunday announcing a complete ban on all types of entrance preparation and bridge courses for higher education, effective from April 14, 2026. However, the decision was immediately mired in contradiction when Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel released a separate, conflicting statement.
While the Ministry's formal notice suggested a blanket ban across all academic levels, Minister Pokharel’s public clarification stated the restriction would only apply to courses up to Grade 12. This discrepancy has led to accusations of poor coordination and internal inconsistency within the government’s top educational body.
The initial decision to shut down these preparatory classes—often used by students transitioning between school and university—has split public opinion. Proponents argue it reduces the financial burden on parents and lessens academic pressure, while critics contend it leaves students unprepared for competitive higher education placements.
Less than 24 hours after the announcement, the Ministry removed the notice entirely. Despite repeated attempts to reach Ministry officials for clarification on whether the ban has been rescinded or is being revised, they have remained unavailable for comment.
The silence from the Ministry has left educational institutions and thousands of students in a state of uncertainty regarding the legality of these courses for the upcoming academic session.
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