The luck of the draw could be used to decide which pupils are admitted to Inverness schools if the demand for places outstrips the supply.
Senior councillor Alasdair Christie said yesterday it may come down to drawing names from a hat if too many pupils wanted to go to certain schools.
And he revealed that the method had already been used at one over-subscribed secondary in the city.
School rolls could be capped at three primaries on the edge of the Highland capital because of population growth in the area.
Cradlehall, Inshes and Lochardil primaries are facing immense pressure from the influx of people to new housing developments.
Installing temporary classrooms is also being considered as a short-term measure to relieve overcrowding.
At the same time, council officials are carrying out a major review of schools.
Ness-side councillor Mr Christie said: “We have a problem in terms of numbers at particular places and we have to address that.
“We can’t just add temporary classrooms because the core infrastructure can’t cope. We have to find a solution.”
He added: “We have already had the situation at Millburn Academy where we had to draw names out of a hat.”
He said there were 15-20 pupils from outwith the school’s catchment area – but only seven places vacant.
He added: “In the past we have managed to accommodate requests. What we are saying now is that in the future, we are going to struggle to do that.”
He added: “The drawing of lots may be used.”
A report outlining more detailed measures is expected to be presented to the next education committee in May.
Last night, Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans said he hoped the situation would not reach the luck of the draw stage.
He said: “There has got to be a better way to do it, perhaps first come, first served.
“But this is an important issue. I want to see a sustainable plan coming forward.
“We should be able to plan for secondary schools so that we can ensure we do not have the same problem in a few years.”
Councillors at yesterday’s education committee meeting agreed that capping rolls should be considered by officials.
They also agreed that Merkinch and Smithton primary schools should be made priorities for further investment.
Wick member Bill Fernie aid he was concerned by the prospect of general purpose classrooms being used for teaching.
But he added that temporary classrooms were often in better condition than the actual school buildings.
Councillors also heard that several more Inverness primary schools could be put under pressure over the next few years.
They include Kinmylies, Muirtown, Holm, Milton of Leys and the Gaelic primary.
However, it is council policy to reserve some spaces for pupils who move into the area during the school year.