The State Agency for Preschool and General Education (MÜTDA) has issued official instructions to all schools across Azerbaijan regarding the organization and conduct of the "Last Bell" graduation ceremonies.
Report news agency informs that, according to the guidelines, the director of each general education institution is responsible for leading the organization of the event. The director bears full responsibility for the safety of the proceedings and any negative incidents occurring within the institution during or after the ceremony.
The instructions specify that the event must be held in the school courtyard. For institutions without an outdoor area, the ceremony should take place in the gym or assembly hall. The proceedings must be conducted without disrupting the educational process, ensuring a secure environment for all participants. The "Last Bell" is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM on June 13, 2026, and must conclude within a maximum of two hours.
Attendance is limited to parents or legal guardians of 1st and 11th-grade students, representatives from educational management bodies, and designated police officers to maintain public order. Other invited guests may include representatives of local executive authorities, family members of martyrs, veterans, and parents who play an active role in the school's social life.
The guidelines also enforce strict dress codes and ethical behavior. Students are required to wear official school uniforms and maintain a neat appearance in accordance with institutional discipline. The ceremony must follow a script approved by the school head, featuring both official and artistic segments that align with national and moral values. Each event must open with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence to honor the memory of martyrs.
Furthermore, the agency has prohibited the presentation of gifts or bouquets to officials and guests. No special preparations or catering are allowed for visiting representatives, with only drinking water permitted on guest tables. The artistic portion of the program must be organized solely using the internal resources and talents of the school.
The "Last Bell" is a traditional ceremony in Azerbaijan marking the end of the academic year for graduating high school students. It serves as a symbolic transition from secondary education to higher education or professional life. In recent years, the Ministry of Science and Education has standardized these events to ensure they remain focused on the students' achievements while maintaining public order and institutional discipline across the country.
