Primary teacher recruitment overhaul ends women quota, sets merit-based hiring, age limit

Government introduces merit-based recruitment for 93 percent of position

The interim government has abolished the 80 percent women and dependent quota for assistant teacher recruitment in public primary schools, introducing new rules setting the age limit for applicants at 32 years.

Following a High Court directive on Thursday, 93 percent of assistant teacher positions will now be filled strictly on merit.

The new regulations also increase promotion opportunities for assistant teachers to head teacher posts from 65 percent to 80 percent, with the remaining 20 percent appointed directly.

“If no eligible candidates are available for promotion, head teacher positions will be filled through direct recruitment,” the guidelines note.

For the first time, assistant teacher posts in physical education and music have been included. The regulations, published on the BG Press website, are titled “Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Regulations 2025”.

The new rules stipulate that 20 percent of merit-based positions are reserved for candidates with science degrees, and 80 percent for graduates in other subjects. Five percent of positions are allocated to children of freedom fighters, one percent to indigenous candidates, and one percent to physically disabled or third-gender candidates, all based on merit.

If suitable candidates are unavailable in these categories, positions may be filled from the general merit list.

The guidelines also stipulate that candidates with a third-class degree or equivalent at any stage of their education are ineligible for any primary teacher position. Recruitment will be conducted at Upazila and Thana levels.