First Modern Schools in Bhutan

Overview

The introduction of modern secular education in Bhutan in the 1960s was one of the most transformative developments in the country's history. Before this, education in Bhutan was exclusively through the monastic system — secular schools, as understood in the modern sense, did not exist.

Establishment

Under the First Five-Year Plan (1961-66), the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, established the first network of secular schools, initially with Indian curriculum and teachers. English was chosen as the medium of instruction, a decision that would have lasting implications for Bhutanese society.

Growth

From a handful of schools serving a few hundred students in the 1960s, Bhutan's education system has grown to hundreds of schools serving over 170,000 students. The Royal University of Bhutan and Sherubtse College now provide higher education domestically, though many students still study abroad in India, Australia, and elsewhere.

Impact

The introduction of modern education within a single generation created a literate, globally connected citizenry — essential for Bhutan's democratic transition and economic development. However, it also created tensions between traditional values and modern aspirations that continue to shape Bhutanese society.

References

1. "A Study on the Type of School during the Dawn of Modern Education in Bhutan." ERIC / Bulgarian Comparative Education Society, 2015.
2. "The Growth and Development of Modern Education in Bhutan (1907 to 1997)." North Bengal University thesis.
3. "Bhutan: Overview and Transformation of Education in Bhutan." Friedrich Naumann Foundation / Freiheit.
4. "Education in Bhutan." Global Partnership for Education.