Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today addressed a press conference held at the conference room of the Education Ministry.Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 16, 2026 (BSS) - Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said the government has decided to abolish the existing lottery system for school admissions and reintroduce admission tests for all classes from Grade One onward, aiming to ensure quality improvement and proper assessment of merit in the education system.

“From the next academic year, that is 2027, there will be no lottery system for school admissions,” he told a press conference held at the conference room of the Education Ministry.

Noting that lottery cannot be a standard for any education system, Milon said after extensive discussions over the past month, the government has reached the decision that the lottery system in admissions will be abolished. 

There is no opportunity to assess students’ merit through a lottery, he said, adding if the lottery system continues at all levels of education, it would undermine the value of students’ merit.

However, he assured that special attention would be given to ensure that admission tests do not create mental pressure for children as merit will be assessed through a very simple and scientific method.

Replying to a question whether coaching businesses might expand if admission tests are reintroduced, the minister said strict measures would be taken to curb the coaching business. 

He also warned that the government would not remain idle if anyone tries to run coaching businesses.

The minister said stakeholders had already been consulted regarding the admission system and discussions would continue if necessary. The final decision will be implemented after further consultations with all concerned, he added.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque, Technical and Madrasah Education Division Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and other concerned officials of the ministry were present at the press conference.