This question is asked by the recruiting manager to guarantee that you do not leave the company midway during the training period to pursue further education. A company invests a lot in each employee throughout the training period and expects them to work for at least a year so that company may earn a return on their investment.
If you want to stay for less than a year, you should surely inform them of your intentions, since it would be unethical on your side and would create a negative image in the future.
In some situations, the employer may offer you a conditional position that is dependent on your approval.
If your higher education plans are a year ahead, the procedure will last a year or longer, in that case, there will be no loss to the company and you will earn some experience too.