Govt plans to move from lottery to admission tests: PM’s Adviser

The government is considering replacing the lottery system with merit-based admission tests in educational institutions, Prime Minister’s education adviser Mahdi Amin said.

He made the remarks at a seminar titled ‘Future of Education in Light of Election Manifestos’ held at a hotel in the capital on Monday (March 16).

The announcement follows a parliamentary question on Sunday by MP Hasnat Abdullah, who asked whether the existing lottery system undermines merit in student admissions.

Responding, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said the government is reviewing the effectiveness of the lottery system and may consider its abolition if necessary.

The minister added that a final decision on reintroducing merit-based admission tests will be taken in 2027. He noted that urban and rural areas face different realities. While previous governments introduced the lottery to manage intense competition in big cities, the current administration questions its effectiveness.

To shape the new admission policy, the government plans to gather public opinion through seminars and discussions with parents and stakeholders. Based on the feedback, the 2027 admission process will be finalised in January.

Milan also highlighted the government’s efforts to coordinate various education systems, including bringing English-medium schools under the national framework and aligning them with the country’s education policy.

Steps are also being taken to integrate primary education and Qawmi madrasa education into the mainstream system.