End sufferings of varsity admission seekers

The results of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations have been published. The students who have passed in these examinations will face an admission war within few days to pursue higher education.

Admission seekers have already started doing coaching. So, coaching business begins as well. Public universities in the country have already announced the schedule for the honours first-year admission tests for the 2018-19 academic session. It means that this time too, admission tests in public universities are not being held following an integrated system. As a result, the admission seekers will have to appear at the tests following the exam schedule set by the respective university which will force them to move from one university to another.

Six months ago, the Education Ministry formed a committee with an aim to outline a roadmap for an integrated admission test in public universities. But as far as we know, the committee is yet to submit any report in this regard. As a result, admission seekers will have to move from one university to another in order to get admitted to a public university which will cause great suffering to the admission seekers specially to the female students.

Every year, many of the admission seekers fail to attend the tests due to this suffering. Again, many universities announce the schedule for admission tests on the same day which causes additional costs to the admission seekers. Considering the costs, many poor guardians become unable to send their children for the tests. As a result, their children are seen to get admitted to nearby colleges.

It has long been discussed to adopt an integrated method for admission tests in the public universities. During the tenure of the caretaker government in 2008, Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman held a discussion with vice-chancellors of all universities over the integrated method for admission tests. But the discussion made no headway.

After the Awami League-led 14-party alliance came in power in 2009, the education minister again sat with the vice-chancellors of all universities over the issue. But several universities did not show their consent. Later in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the education ministry sat with the vice-chancellors of all universities over the issue. In 2013 meeting held over the issue, the vice-chancellors of all universities gave their consent. But all attempts went in vain due to excuse of the autonomy of the universities.

In February of this year, President and Chancellor of all universities M Abdul Hamid reached a decision in principle after holding a meeting with all vice-chancellors over the integrated method for admission tests. The President then asked the authorities to ensure the integrated method for admission tests in public universities in order to curb the suffering of the students and guardians. Later, the education ministry formed a seven-member committee to prepare a guideline for integrated method for admission tests. Another nine-member committee was formed with the vice-chancellor of National University as its convener. It was supposed to prepare a guideline over the issue coordinating the two committees. Both the committee was asked to submit a report to the education ministry by April 15 but they could not submit. As a result, admission tests are not being held following an integrated system this year.

If an integrated university admission test (IUAT) were possible to implement, it would have multi-dimensional benefits. The admission tests can be held within two months of the publication of HSC results. Students would need to purchase only one admission form. Since there are public universities throughout the country, a student in a remote place will incur minimum travel and other costs to sit for the admission test. Reducing or eliminating travel hassle out of the equation will have an important additional benefit. It will encourage female candidates to embark higher education more than they are now.

Admission tests in medical colleges of the country are being held following an integrated system for last several years which incurs minimum travel and other costs to sit for the admission test. We think this method is appropriate to be followed in all public universities in reducing travel hassle and additional cost.


risingbd/Dhaka/July 24, 2018/Ali Nowsher/AI