Patna, March 2: Destiny, not the merit, will play the decisive role this year for admission to St Michael’s School, a premier institution in the city. For every 70 forms sold, three children are likely to get the licence to study in the school. The lucky few will be selected through lottery.

The school started selling forms for admission to Class I today. Around 1,000 forms were sold. The school authorities expect 2,800 forms to be sold by the time it comes to a close on March 5. Only 120 seats are up for taking in the unreserved category.

Amid all the tension, Right to Education Act has become a headache for parents.

With more rules and regulations, the schools are trying to select only those students who have all the documents, including the immunisation certificate.

Keeping aside 25 per cent seats for the underprivileged ones according to the act, the school has started its admission process. For the first time, 33 per cent seats have been reserved for girls as well.

The parents are a confused lot. Many expressed disappointment over the system being implemented and questioned its viability.

“The school is asking for children who stay nearby. My daughter could not get admission in Class I in St Joseph’s Convent High School near which we stay. Now, I realise that she does not have much of a chance at St Michael’s either. Because of the implementation of this act, my daughter won’t be able to study in a good school,” said a mother, who did not want to be named.

She added the number of seats should be increased. Else, deserving children would be deprived of a chance to get admission to a good school, she argued. Another guardian criticised the random selection process. “What is the use of scoring high marks if children’s destiny depends on a random selection process?” a guardian asked.

Shweta, a worried parent, said: “The demand for different documents, including the immunisation certificate, for forms is irritating. Many parents had to return because they did not bring it.”

Parents started gathering outside the school premises from 3am. The guardians appreciated the idea of having several counters, which made the distribution process fast and simple.