All public universities should agree to uniform admission test

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UGC logo

We welcome the University Grants Commission's (UGC) decision to introduce a uniform admission test in all public universities across the country from the next academic year. This is a very logical decision because it saves the students from paying for different tests, which has been difficult to many middle class families. Academicians and education experts have long been demanding a uniform test, but to no avail.

According to the UGC decision, the admission test will be held centrally in 2-3 days. The candidates can say which test centre they prefer, but if a centre is full students with the best results in SSC and HSC (based on their GPA) will get to sit for the test at their desired centre.

The media has reported that the decision was taken after the president and the prime minister had made such recommendations. The vice chancellors of different universities in a meeting last year had come to the decision that there would be a uniform admission test, but later that decision was not implemented. A number of universities turned down the proposal to safeguard their so-called supremacy. However, seven agricultural universities opted to hold a uniform admission test last year, which was very welcomed by the students and the guardians.

A uniform admission test will save the students from travelling to different parts of the country, which takes its toll on them, physically, emotionally and financially as well. But UGC is not sure if the universities would abide by this rule. Especially the four universities that adhere to the 1973 University Act -- Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong and Jahangirnagar -- and BUET have not agreed to the UGC proposal yet. If they are not convinced, the uniform test will be held excluding these universities.

We think the main aim of this decision will not be achieved if these universities cannot be convinced. They may choose to do so to maintain their uniqueness, but upholding the quality of education is more important. When they cannot make their way in the top 1000 universities of the world, what is the point of this snobbish attitude?

Truth be told, the main constraint to not holding a uniform test was the chance to make more money. The universities earn millions thanks to these tests and everyone gets their share. But they cannot create problems for the students to earn big amounts.

We want a uniform admission test in the 46 public universities of the country.