Beijing pupils in lower classes will be free from homework starting the new semester, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education.

The commission released a notice on Feb 25, the first day of school in the capital, saying that home assignments are not allowed for first and second graders.

Primary schools are not allowed to give students mid-term exams.

The notice also required that the number of hours in class be limited to less than 6 hours for primary school students and less than 8 hours for middle school students.

The notice, which will be implemented on March 19, aims to reduce the burden on students.

Netizens said it was the best gift for the first day at school.