In 2023, out of 170,000 students who completed the 9th grade, 114,000 continued to the 10th grade, 12,000 enrolled in vocational schools and colleges, while the remaining 44,000 chose not to continue their education. These figures were highlighted by President Emomali Rahmon in a speech on September 1.

According to President Rahmon, the reasons behind the reluctance of young people to pursue further education are, on the one hand, parental interference in their children's futures, particularly for girls, and on the other hand, insufficient awareness about career choices.  

As a result, legislative changes have been mandated, and the process of continuing education will now be closely monitored at the general secondary school level.  All 9th-grade graduates who do not voluntarily continue to the 10th grade are now required to pursue education in vocational institutions such as technical schools and colleges to acquire a profession.

“The Ministry of Education explained that until the 2023-2024 academic year, education beyond the 9th grade was optional, which accounts for the large number of dropouts,” a spokesman for the Ministry of education and Science (MoES) told Asia-Plus in an interview.

However, with the new law, all 9th-grade students have been transitioned to the 10th grade, according to him.  “By the end of the week, a detailed report will be provided on the exact numbers, and only those who were studying abroad or passed away are exempt from this requirement,” the spokesman added.

Experts have pointed out that girls are more likely than boys to drop out after the 9th grade.

UNICEF's Country Director for Tajikistan, Mr. Arthur van Diesen, mentioned in an interview with Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally Radio Ozodi, in November last year that only 68% of girls continue to the 10th grade, compared to 86% of boys.  “This is a significant difference in the ratio and the situation needs to be corrected,” Mr. van Diesen noted.

This gap is partly due to girls being married off by their families and assuming household responsibilities, leaving little time for education or self-development.

In rural areas, girls often have to help their parents with fieldwork, which further hinders their ability to continue school.