Over 8 lakh seats remain vacant

The admission process for classes one to nine in government and private schools across the country officially ended on December 31, yet more than eight lakh seats remain vacant, raising serious concerns over regulatory enforcement and transparency in the education sector.

According to the Department of Secondary and Higher Education DSE, a total of one lakh 21 thousand 596 seats were available in government schools this year. Against this, seven lakh 19 thousand 858 students applied and one lakh seven thousand 521 were selected through the centrally conducted lottery, leaving 14 thousand 75 seats unfilled. In private schools, one lakh 72 thousand 917 seats were available, while three lakh 36 thousand 196 students applied. Of them, one lakh 97 thousand 978 were admitted, resulting in around eight and a half lakh vacant seats nationwide.

Despite the availability of seats, many students failed to secure admission in their preferred institutions. In response, the Ministry of Education and the DSE have issued strict directives to ensure that no eligible student is deprived of admission due to procedural irregularities.

DSE officials stated that "if there are eligible students, seats cannot be kept vacant in any educational institution." They clarified that students must be admitted through a lottery system. Those on the waiting list must be prioritized, and if seats remain vacant, schools may organize fresh lotteries with DSE approval. "There is no chance of direct admission without a lottery," the department emphasized.

Conflicting information circulating on social media regarding admissions has caused confusion among guardians, with many alleging irregularities and corruption. However, the Ministry has warned that no institution will be allowed to violate admission policies. "If someone admits without following the admission policy, strict action will be taken against that institution," officials said.

Secondary Wing Director Professor Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel said, "There are specific policies regarding filling the seats that are still vacant in schools after the central admission process is over." He added that school authorities may conduct lotteries with Maushi's permission and that "representatives of the department, the District Commissioner DC, and concerned authorities will be present" to ensure transparency.

He further stated, "First of all, the institution can admit students from those who are already on the waiting list. However, if there is no student on the waiting list and a new student applies for admission, then he must be admitted by verifying his merit through a lottery again."