Lottery system to remain in place for grade I admission
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The government is considering stepping back from its decision to introduce admission tests for Class one students. In principle, it has been decided that the lottery-based admission process for grade I will continue as before. However, nominal tests may be introduced for admissions from Class 2 through Class IX. This system is likely to remain in place starting from the 2028 academic year.
The matter was discussed on Monday during a meeting at the Ministry of Education regarding admissions. After the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) submitted a proposal, the ministry reviewed it and expressed its opinion in favor of the proposal. When contacted, Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General of DSHE, told Agamir Somoy, "We have sent two different proposals to the ministry. The ministry will make the final decision."
In March last year, the government announced the introduction of admission tests for Class one. Since then, widespread concern has grown among parents. Many families began turning to coaching centers and private tutors to prepare their children for the exams. This raised fears of unnecessary mental pressure on the kids. Taking these factors into account, the government is now reconsidering its earlier decision.
On March 16 this year, the Education Minister had announced that from the 2028 academic year, admission tests would replace the lottery system for Class 1. On the same day, a ministry notification said that the lottery-based admission system for Classes 1 to 9 in government and private schools would be scrapped and a new admission procedure introduced. At that time, it was said that new guidelines would be formulated in consultation with relevant stakeholders. However, immediately after the announcement, parents, educationists, and child rights activists expressed fears that reintroducing tests would increase coaching dependency, competitive pressure, and irregularities. Following these criticisms, the ministry reconsidered its position.
Meanwhile, the Parents Unity Forum has welcomed the decision to retain the lottery system for Class 1. Forum President Ziaul Kabir Dulu said, "We congratulate the government on this decision. Not just Class 1, but lottery-based admissions should be introduced for all classes from 1 to 5 at the primary level. This will put an end to the coaching business for admissions, reduce financial burdens on parents, and protect young students from unhealthy competition and mental stress."
The organization claimed that during the COVID-19 period, when lottery-based admissions were in place for all classes, the influence of the coaching business had decreased, and both students and parents benefited mentally and financially. Drawing from that experience, they have called for introducing lottery-based admissions for all primary classes from the next academic year.
According to the Annual Primary School Statistics 2024, approximately 35 lakh 46 thousand students were enrolled in Class 1 across the country—17 lakh 48 thousand boys and 17 lakh 99 thousand girls. With such a massive number of students, stakeholders believe the lottery system remains the most effective way to keep the admission process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
