UGC wants cluster admission system for private universities
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended private universities adopt a cluster admission test system similar to the centralised entry exam hosted by public universities to mitigate sufferings of examinees.
In its 47th annual report to the government, the UGC suggested formulating a policy to introduce a unified test for students vying for a seat at the private universities in Dhaka.
A delegation, led by UGC chairman Kazi Shahidullah, presented the report to president Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Sunday.
Cluster admission system to mitigate hassle
Maria Akter, an admission seeker, told UNB that she plans to study at a private university if she fails to get into a public one.
She explained that going to every private university and sit for separate entry tests would be a waste of time and money.
"The cluster system will help me find a private university easily. It'll save a lot of hassle," she said.
Admission seekers as well as their guardians welcomed the UGC recommendation.
Rabbil Bhuiyan from Rangpur, whose daughter is an admission seeker, told UNB that it would be a matter of relief for people like them.
"It'll be really helpful if the recommendation is executed," he said.
"I'm not in a position to roam around the city going from one university to another for my daughter's admission nor can I leave my daughter on her own in the city since it's not safe. I hope the authorities concerned will consider the issue very seriously," he said.
Integrated test system to help universities
Chairman of the Association of Private University of Bangladesh (APUB) Sheikh Kabir Hossain told UNB that this will be a very welcoming initiative for the private universities, if it works properly.
"We haven't been formally informed about this. But it's a positive approach from UGC. It'll help all universities to get students proportionately. Students can also admit themselves considering the standard of the universities," he said.
Hossain hoped the UGC would sit with them to set the forms and formalities of the cluster system before introducing it.
"It'll be fruitful if most of the universities participate in the system. The UGC will have to come up with an acceptable formula," he added.
UGC chairman Shahidullah told UNB that the 47th annual report made some recommendations on the current situation, problems and solutions at public and private universities.
The introduction of cluster system in private is one of them, he noted.
Shahidullah said UGC has been trying to arrange cluster system admission test for a long time to put an end to the suffering of admission seekers and their parents. "This time, it was possible for coronavirus outbreak," he said.
A centralised admission test will come as a relief to the aspirants and their guardians. "We made the recommendation considering these issues," the UGC chairman said.