Primary schooling (Classes I–V) in Pakistan enrolls children of age

Primary schooling (Classes I–V) in Pakistan enrolls children of age (a) 4–6 years (b) 5–9 years (c) 3–5 years (d) 4–7 years ✅ Correct Option: (b) 5–9 years Explanation (200+ words) In Pakistan, the primary education stage consists of Classes I to V, which officially enrolls children aged 5 to 9 years. This age range is consistent with educational policies, census data, and formulation of national curriculum. A child typically enters Class I at age 5 and completes Class V around age 9 or 10. This structure forms the foundation of the entire education system, focusing on literacy, numeracy, basic science, Islamic studies, and social development. The government emphasizes primary education because it has the highest impact on future learning and the overall literacy rate. The official age group (5–9 years) is important in PPSC exams because it appears frequently in questions related to educational planning, literacy indicators, and enrollment ratios. Policies such as National Education Policy 1998, Education Sector Reforms 2001–05, and National Education Policy 2009 all use this age bracket for measuring Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) and Net Enrollment Rate (NER). 10 PPSC-Relevant Facts 1. Primary stage = Classes I–V. 2. Official age group = 5–9 years. 3. Entry age for Class I = 5 years. 4. Completion age ≈ 9–10 years. 5. Primary education forms basis of literacy. 6. NET & GER measured for ages 5–9. 7. Pakistan’s biggest enrollment share is in this stage. 8. Major policies target universal primary education. 9. Free textbooks usually provided at this level. 10. Stage monitored through district education authorities.