Three more public universities join cluster entry test system

Three more public universities have joined the cluster admission test system as the University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to hold the upcoming entry tests.

However, not all public universities have joined the system.

A total of 35 public universities, including the new ones, will hold the admission tests under the cluster-based system in the upcoming academic session.

The three universities are Kurigram Agricultural University under the Agricultural cluster, Sunamganj University of Science and Technology and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Science and Technology, Pirojpur under the Science and Technology cluster.

The decision was taken unanimously in a discussion meeting on cluster-based admission tests for public universities at the UGC on Sunday, according to a statement of the commission.

UGC Chairman (Additional Charge) Prof Muhammad Alamgir chaired the meeting, which was attended by Vice Chancellors of 32 public universities of Agriculture and Science and Technology clusters.

Prof Alamgir said the UGC does not want to impose any decision on universities by force; it is working to maintain the independence and identity of the university.

He also said that the characteristics of public universities will not be undermined if they participate in cluster admission tests.

The UGC Chairman suggested the formation of a committee to determine the timing for the admission tests of the cluster universities to ensure financial transparency.

Besides, he said that a committee would soon be constituted to create a framework for conducting a single admission test for all universities under the National Testing Authority (NTA).

The vice chancellors, in the meeting, said that there is no obstacle in organising the cluster admission test.

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