The number of students being admitted to grade one at government schools would be increased to 40 for next year, and the process to cut the number to 35 would start from 2017, the Education Ministry yesterday said.

It said the increment of the student number 40 would only be valid for 2016 and from 2017, the number would be reduced to 35 one by one student application.

It further said the number should reach 35 by 2021.