Teachers and staff involved in university admission tests benefit financially from holding separate exams, but this increases costs for students. Despite this reality, the cluster admission system for the Science and Technology (GST) universities, introduced in the 2019-2020 academic year, is now facing significant challenges. For the 2024-2025 academic year, several universities, including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), have initiated independent admission processes. BUET and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have already closed their application deadlines on December 14. SUST’s application process will begin on January 5.
KUET’s admission test is scheduled for January 11, while BUET’s will take place on January 23, and KUET’s again on January 24-25. The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) will hold its test on February 22. Observers indicate that it will be nearly impossible to organize the GST cluster exam in February.
Meanwhile, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) in Gopalganj have also expressed interest in opting out of the cluster system. However, BSMRSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hossain Uddin Shekhar remarked, “If the Ministry of Education takes a firm stance to maintain the cluster system, we will comply.”
In a virtual meeting held on Saturday night, several university vice-chancellors voiced their interest in withdrawing from the cluster system. Their concerns include the loss of autonomy, decisions contradicting academic council resolutions, the inability to attract qualified students, increased session backlogs, vacant seats, and the protracted admission process damaging institutional reputations. Conversely, some universities argued for retaining the system, highlighting the significant burden on students and parents if multiple admission tests are reinstated. They emphasized that the cluster system reduces costs, saves time, and benefits students overall.
Professor Anwarul Azim Akand, Convener of the GST admission committee for the 2023-24 academic year and Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, explained, “We held the meeting following a letter from the Ministry of Education. We will now discuss the matter with the ministry, particularly with the Education Advisor. A final decision will follow. However, we want the cluster system to continue, with all universities participating, as it is beneficial for students.”
Earlier this month, Education Advisor Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud urged the vice-chancellors to continue the GST admission system for the upcoming academic year. However, some universities have already decided to withdraw, with others planning to follow suit. On Monday, December 23, the Ministry of Education issued an urgent directive to maintain the cluster system.
The directive emphasized that the cluster system aims to reduce students’ financial and mental stress, save time, and ensure a merit-based, transparent, and coordinated admission process. The Ministry also reiterated the importance of unity among universities to strengthen the country’s higher education system.
Professor Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of HSTU, stated, “We have finalized our decision to leave the cluster system. However, if the government manages to bring all universities back under the system, we may reconsider. For now, there has been no visible government action in this regard.”
Since the 2019-2020 academic year, universities such as Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), KUET, and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) have conducted joint admissions. Additionally, 24 general and science and technology universities organized a unified admission test under the GST cluster. However, the likelihood of this system continuing has diminished, as universities increasingly opt for independent exams.
Many prospective students and their families have expressed concern over these developments, urging the continuation of the GST cluster system to ease the financial and logistical burdens of the admission process.
