Dhaka:Applications for admission to the first-year undergraduate programs at public universities in Bangladesh for the 2026-27 academic year will commence in January next year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, plans have been outlined to begin the admission tests from February. These announcements were made by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed during a press conference held at the UGC following a meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities.
The meeting, conducted earlier in the day, focused on the schedule and associated issues concerning the 2026-27 admission tests at public universities. It was revealed that the government aims to publish the final results of the HSC and equivalent examination reassessments and supplementary exams by December 31, after which the admission test activities will start. Students who pass the HSC answer script reassessment and supplementary examinations will have the opportunity to sit for the admission tests.
Universities have been urged to announce specific dates for the admission tests through mutual discussion. Those that have already published their schedules are encouraged to reconsider their dates to avoid conflicts and consider the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, allowing students to participate in tests at multiple universities.
Professor Mamun Ahmed emphasized the importance of ensuring that regular academic activities are not disrupted due to delays in the admission tests. The UGC has pledged to provide necessary support in this regard. A proposal to form a "central coordination committee" involving representatives from the UGC, the education ministry, and universities was also discussed to maintain consistent coordination throughout the admission process.
The press conference highlighted that although over 750,000 students passed the HSC in 2025, this number has decreased to slightly over 600,000 this year. Currently, there are about 180 universities in the country, including public and private institutions. Public universities offer approximately 63,000 seats, while the National University, the Islamic Arabic University, and other affiliated institutions provide over one million seats. Private universities contribute more than 400,000 seats.
Professor Ahmed stated that this year's admission tests will continue using multiple-choice questions (MCQ). However, discussions are ongoing about incorporating written or subject-based questions in future years to better assess students' subject-specific merit and analytical abilities. The UGC chairman assured that no decisions would be imposed on universities, with the UGC acting solely as a coordinator and facilitator, respecting the autonomy of the institutions.
The UGC chairman expressed optimism that mutual cooperation with the vice-chancellors would render the admission process more student-friendly and organized this time.