Combined entry test: UGC criticises public universities’ disinterest

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Kazi Shahidullah today criticised authorities of public universities that are not interested in holding combined admission test to enroll students.

“Expectation of the whole nation cannot remain unfulfilled due to the indecision of some universities regarding holding combined admission test,” Kazi Shahidullah said at a meeting with vice chancellors of engineering and technological universities.

The meeting was held on combined admission test at the UGC office in the capital.

Universities that will not hold combined admission test will face criticism from the public, he said adding that the test will ease the sufferings of students and guardians.

Kazi Shahidullah also pointed out that if the universities start holding combined test it would improve the image of teachers.

According to UGC officials, several universities including Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology are showing no interest in holding combined admission test.

On January 23, the UGC decided that combined admission test will be held from 2020-2021 academic year. The decision came from a meeting between vice chancellors of public universities and the UGC, the statutory apex body for higher education, at the latter’s office.

Students from humanities, business studies, and science groups would be eligible to take the admission test, which will be held based on HSC syllabus.

Last year, seven public agricultural universities introduced combined admission test, known as “the cluster system”. The other 38 public universities held separate entry tests.

Besides, the medical colleges have a combined entrance test.