Results of the recruitment tests for appointment of assistant teachers at government primary schools is likely to be published this afternoon, a top official of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education told The Daily Star.

However, the official said the ministry has backtracked from its decision to increase the number of teachers for the post.

The ministry in October 2020 published an advertisement for appointing 32,577 assistant teachers.

But in March this year it said 45,000 teachers would be recruited as another 10,000 assistant teachers had retired since announcement of the vacancy.

But finally, the ministry has decided to appoint 32,577 assistant teachers in line with the advertisement.

A total of 13,09,461 candidates applied for the positions. Of them, around 1.51 lakh passed the written exams and took the viva voce.

Currently, there are around 3.60 lakh teachers at 65,566 government primary schools.