Abolition of 'Children of FF' quota, inclusion of new 'July Uprising' quota on cards

The Ministry of Education is poised to introduce sweeping changes in the intermediate admission policy for the 2025-26 academic session, as a draft policy, which is currently under review, proposes the abolition of the 'children of freedom fighters' quota and the inclusion of a new 'July Uprising' quota.

The draft policy will be tabled for final approval at a high-level meeting scheduled for Sunday, July 13. According to senior officials of the Ministry and the Secondary and Higher Education Department, the policy seeks to adapt to contemporary realities while responding to socio-political developments following the July 24 student-led uprising.

Citing the latest verdict of the High Court in 2024, which invalidated quota benefits for the grandchildren of freedom fighters, education officials argue that the relevance of maintaining the freedom fighter quota has diminished over time. "Fifty-five years have passed since the War of Independence. Most of the children of freedom fighters are now well beyond college-going age," an official stated. "Keeping seats vacant in this quota no longer serves a rational purpose."

The current policy allows 93 per cent of students to be admitted on merit, while 7 per cent fall under special quotas. Of these, 5 per cent are reserved for children of freedom fighters, and 2 per cent for children of officials and staff within the Ministry of Education and its 28 affiliated departments. The proposed shift would see the July Uprising quota replace the freedom fighter allocation, granting preference to those injured during the uprising or their immediate family members.

"This is the first time Class XI admissions are beginning in the shadow of a popular uprising," said a source from the Education Board. "Many who actively took part in the July movement and sustained injuries have passed their SSC exams this year, some while undergoing treatment. Despite being meritorious, their performance was impacted, and a quota provision could help mitigate that unfair disadvantage."