Ispahani Public School & College: A Legacy of Education and Service
Introduction
Ispahani Public School & College (IPSC) stands as a prominent educational institution in Bangladesh, with a rich history rooted in the vision of providing quality education and fostering holistic student development. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a top-ranked school and college, IPSC has consistently upheld its motto, "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve," shaping generations of students into leaders and responsible citizens.
Founding and Early Years
Ispahani Public School was established in 1979 under the devoted patronage of the distinguished industrialist, Late Mirza Ahmed Ispahani, with a vision of cultivating educated and enlightened citizens as well as charismatic future leaders for a burgeoning nation. The school began operations in 1981, enrolling students from KG-1 to Class-VIII in a three-storied building.
Initially established as a separate entity under the name Cantt. College, the institution's early days saw challenges in securing adequate infrastructure. School (Cantt. High School). Boys’ Hostel and a few OR Qtrs. were re-appropriated as Quarters for teachers. All these rented buildings caused heavy burden on the fund; Tk. as rent for a short period of twenty-five months. Brigadier A. O. MITHA, the then Station Commander, TK. Educational fund & Tk.
The institution's journey is marked by the contributions of key figures such as Brigadier A. O. MITHA and Mr. M. M. Ispahani. It was through the efforts of Brigadier A. O. MITHA, Mr. M. M. with the institution. Group of Industries and personal care and guidance of Mr. M. M. ISPAHANI. The Ispahani Group of Industries has so far donated Tk. 13,33,000.00. Chittagong at the instance of the great Donor Mr. M. M.
Expansion and Development
Following its initial establishment, Ispahani Public School & College underwent significant expansion in the mid-1980s, receiving approval to introduce secondary-level education in 1983, which enabled the institution to offer a more comprehensive curriculum beyond primary classes. This development marked an important step toward institutional growth, allowing students to progress seamlessly within the school system.
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A pivotal milestone occurred in 1989 when the institution gained approval for higher secondary-level education, enabling primary through higher secondary programs starting from the 1989-90 academic year. This upgrade solidified its role as a complete educational provider, with the first Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) examination conducted in 1991. Since these early exams, the school has maintained near-perfect pass rates, often achieving 100% success with minimal instances of third-division results, underscoring its academic rigor.
Over the years, the infrastructure has expanded to include two additional four- and five-storied buildings, which house the Secondary and Higher Secondary sections, science labs, and common rooms for both teachers and students.
Curriculum and Academic Programs
The core subjects in the school curriculum include Bangla, English, mathematics, general science, and social studies (encompassing history, geography, and civics), all aligned with the requirements of the Chittagong Education Board for S.S.C. The institution places a strong emphasis on holistic student development, incorporating moral education to foster ethical values, discipline, and character building alongside academic rigor, in line with its service-oriented motto: "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve." This approach aims to prepare students not only for S.S.C.
In subsequent years, the institution introduced enhancements to its curriculum and admission policies to align with modern educational needs. English Version classes, following the National Curriculum in English medium, were incorporated to provide bilingual instruction, emphasizing subjects like science, mathematics, and English language skills alongside co-curricular programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Admission entry shifted to Class 3 for students aged 7-9, allowing for extended holistic development through to H.S.C.
College Curriculum
The College Curriculum at Ispahani Public School & College provides higher secondary education culminating in the Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.), following the guidelines of the Chittagong Education Board. Approved for higher secondary operations in 1989, the program saw its inaugural cohort sit for the H.S.C.
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The H.S.C. program is structured around three primary streams: Science, Business Studies, and Humanities, designed to accommodate varied academic pathways and career aspirations. In the Science stream, students engage with advanced subjects such as physics, chemistry, higher mathematics, and biology, which include mandatory practical components conducted in the institution's dedicated science laboratories to foster hands-on scientific inquiry. The Business Studies stream focuses on subjects like accounting, business organization and management, economics, and finance, banking, and insurance, equipping learners with foundational skills for commerce and economics fields. Humanities offerings encompass civics, logic, history, and sociology, promoting critical thinking and social sciences proficiency.
This curriculum integrates practical training through campus facilities, such as laboratories for science experiments, to complement theoretical learning and prepare students effectively for board-conducted practical exams. The program's emphasis on advanced topics and exam-oriented preparation has contributed to the institution's notable standings in national H.S.C.
Campus and Infrastructure
Ispahani Public School & College is situated on Zakir Hossain Road in the Khulshi area of Chattogram, Bangladesh, an urban neighborhood characterized by its mix of residential, commercial, and educational establishments. Originally established in 1979 and commencing operations in 1981, the institution began with a single three-storied building to house classes from KG-1 to VIII, which was later expanded to five stories to accommodate growing enrollment.
Over time, the campus infrastructure evolved with the addition of an eight-storied structure, along with other multistoried blocks, creating a modern built environment capable of supporting approximately 3,824 students. These developments include dedicated administrative blocks, spacious classrooms distributed across multiple floors, and a central auditorium for assemblies and events, all constructed with contemporary materials to ensure durability and safety in an urban setting. The campus's integration into Chattogram's urban fabric enhances its accessibility, with proximity to essential amenities such as hospitals, markets, and public transport hubs, while the layout emphasizes efficient circulation between buildings for daily operations.
IPSC's infrastructure includes modern facilities such as science and ICT laboratories, a library, conference room, cafeteria, and an auditorium known as the IPSC Auditorium and Mirza Mehdy Ispahani Bhaban, supporting both academic and co-curricular activities like the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program for holistic student growth.
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Ispahani Public School & College offers specialized academic facilities to support practical and theoretical learning across its programs. The institution includes dedicated science laboratories equipped for hands-on experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology, located within the expanded multistoried buildings that house the secondary and higher secondary sections. A central library serves students from Class III through Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) levels, providing a comprehensive collection of books, reference materials, and resources tailored to school and college curricula. Recreational resources support co-curricular activities, including games, sports, and cultural programs to promote physical development, teamwork, and creative expression among students.
Admissions
Admissions to Ispahani Public School & College in Chattogram, Bangladesh, are managed separately for the school and college sections, adhering to guidelines from the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Chattogram. Selection involves a lottery system for initial entry at Class 3, followed by written examinations for Classes 4-9, interviews, and document verification. Required documents include birth certificates for age proof and previous school testimonials if applicable.
Quotas may prioritize children of institution staff and local categories, with seats allocated based on availability. Eligible candidates must meet minimum GPA thresholds set by the board for various groups (Science, Business Studies, etc.), with priority given to quotas for rural students, females, freedom fighters' children, and tribal communities. Applications are submitted online during the board's designated window, followed by merit list publication and subject allocation at the college. Selected students confirm admission by paying fees and submitting original documents, including SSC marksheets, birth registration, and quota proofs, within specified deadlines.
Ispahani Public School & College enrolls approximately 3,824 students across its school and college sections, reflecting a vibrant learning community focused on quality education.
Extracurricular Activities and Holistic Development
Ispahani Public School & College provides a range of clubs and societies designed to cultivate leadership, creativity, and personal development among students. Community service initiatives at the institution are closely aligned with its motto, "Enter to learn, leave to serve." The school's affiliation with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program facilitates structured social service projects, including community outreach and volunteer efforts that develop empathy and civic responsibility. These extracurricular programs integrate with academic pursuits to support overall student growth. The school also participates in the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms program, enabling teacher training and student visits to UK cluster schools.
Ispahani Public School & College emphasizes sports and cultural activities as integral to student development, leveraging the Ispahani family's longstanding commitment to such initiatives. Annual sports days feature competitive events in football, cricket, and athletics, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among students through organized competitions on school grounds. Cultural festivals and art competitions are held regularly, alongside annual celebrations such as Independence Day programs that highlight national heritage and artistic talents.
Academic Excellence and Achievements
Ispahani Public School & College has established a strong reputation for academic excellence in public examinations under the Chittagong Education Board. The institution's first batch of students appeared for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in 1985, achieving successful outcomes that set a precedent for future cohorts. The school conducted its first S.S.C.
Since these initial appearances, the school has consistently delivered outstanding results in Junior School Certificate (JSC), SSC, and HSC exams, with pass rates frequently reaching 100% across most years and students seldom receiving third division or equivalent grades. This sustained performance has positioned Ispahani among the top-ranked institutions in Chattogram district, based on aggregated public exam outcomes from 2009 onward, including high pass rates and low failure incidences. National recognitions further underscore these accomplishments, particularly in the business studies stream, where the institution features prominently in board-level rankings for consistent high achievement.
The school's academic success extends to higher education placements, with HSC graduates regularly gaining admission to elite institutions such as Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and public medical colleges, including Dhaka Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, and Chittagong Medical College.
Governance and Administration
Ispahani Public School & College is governed by a structured administrative framework led by the Ispahani family, reflecting their longstanding legacy in business and philanthropy in Bangladesh. The current Chairman of the Governing Body is Mirza Salman Ispahani, who also serves as Chairman of M.M. Ispahani Limited, the parent conglomerate. Leadership has evolved from the institution's inception under the patronage of the late Mirza Ahmed Ispahani, a pioneering industrialist who founded the school to promote quality education amid post-independence challenges.
The Governing Body maintains policies focused on curriculum implementation in line with Bangladesh's National Education Policy of 2010, which mandates a balanced program emphasizing English as a second language, sciences, and mathematics, with continuous progress monitoring across subjects.
Notable Alumni
Ispahani Public School & College has produced several notable alumni who have achieved prominence in fields such as media and technology. Ashfaque Nipun, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor, attended the institution from 1991 to 1995, completing his Secondary School Certificate (SSC). Graduates frequently advance to prestigious universities after Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) completion. For instance, Upal Mahbub, who attended from kindergarten through 12th grade, pursued engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) before earning a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and now works as a staff engineer at Qualcomm, specializing in hardware-efficient deep learning.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
The school's community outreach initiatives, including scholarships for deserving students and collaborations on cultural and sports programs, reflect its ties to the Ispahani family's longstanding philanthropy in education and social welfare. As part of the M.M.
To address the educational needs in Chittagong, four families-the Dadas, Ispahanis, Khans, and Nizams-collaborated to enhance the city’s teaching resources and set new standards for school policies.
Other Ispahani Initiatives
Mirza Ahmed Ispahani Sriti Biddalay is a renowned educational institution located in Mohra Ward No. 5 under Chandgaon Police Station of Chittagong City Corporation. Established in 1969 by the late Mr. Mirza Ahmed Ispahani, former chairman of Ispahani Shilpa Goshti, the school was founded with the aim of fulfilling the educational needs of the children of the officers and employees of the industrial company Chittagong Jute Manufacturing Company Limited, as well as the broader community. Originally, the institution’s educational program started on a small scale. However, over time, it has evolved into a full-fledged secondary school. Currently, Mirza Ahmed Ispahani Sriti Biddalay offers education from nursery to 10th grade, with provisions for teaching in the humanities, science, and business education branches at the SSC level. At present, Mirza Ahmed Ispahani Sriti Biddalay has a total of 1,630 students and 30 teachers. Since its inception, the school has played a significant role in meeting the educational needs of the local community and the country, earning a great reputation that continues to grow. Various alumni from this school now hold high-ranking and respected positions in the state after completing their higher education. One of the most notable success stories is that of Vijay Talukder, who graduated from this school in 2010. He played a direct role in the construction of Bangladesh’s first satellite, “Bangabandhu Satellite,” and the “Annesha Satellite (Nano)” under the supervision of BRAC University. Vijay is one of the four Bangladeshi students engaged in these significant projects.
Facing a persistent classroom crisis due to the continuous influx of new students, Mr. Mirza Salman Ispahani, the current chairman of the Ispahani Industrial Group and the president of the school management committee, has taken action to solve this issue. On March 20, 2017, construction began on a new multi-storied building for the school due to his generosity and sincere efforts. Once completed, the architecture of the building will make the school one of the most attractive educational institutions in Chittagong.
Established in 1958 by the Ispahani Group, Chittagong Jute Manufacturing High School serves the educational needs of the Chittagong community. Initially founded to provide education for the children of jute mill workers, the school today welcomes students from all backgrounds, offering classes from Kindergarten through Grade 10.
In 2021, the Ispahani Group made a notable contribution by sponsoring a modern seminar library for the Department of Persian Language and Literature at the University of Dhaka. In collaboration with the Allama Rumi Society, they patronized the modernized library, named after Syed Ahmadul Haque, also known as the Rumi of Bengal.
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