DU refuses to delay admission tests despite edu ministry's HSC retake plan

Dhaka University authorities have ruled out postponing undergraduate admission tests despite the government’s decision to allow students who failed one or two subjects in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations to sit for supplementary tests.

The contrasting decisions mean students who will pass the supplementary examinations may still be unable to apply for DU admission for the 2026–27 academic year, with applications ending on November 25.

Of the 594,113 students who failed this year's HSC and equivalent examinations, 422,905 failed in one or two subjects.

They are being offered another chance through supplementary tests beginning December 1, with results expected by the end of the month.

However, DU's admission applications will run from November 11 to 25, with tests scheduled between December 5 and 26, before the supplementary results are expected.

Two DU pro-vice-chancellors confirmed to Daily Waadaa on Wednesday night that the university would maintain its previously announced schedule, citing logistical constraints and concerns over academic delays.

Professor Abdus Salam, pro-vice-chancellor (academic), said the government's decision to arrange supplementary examinations was a matter for the Education Ministry, but DU had no plans to reschedule its admission tests.

He said the university already attracted sufficient applicants for its limited seats and saw no justification for postponing the examinations.

Professor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, pro-vice-chancellor (administration), said Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam had explained the university's practical difficulties at a November 3 meeting with Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon.

He said preparations for the admission tests had been underway for three to four months, with examination centres and other arrangements already finalised across divisional cities.

Postponing the tests until the supplementary results are published could disrupt the academic calendar and undermine efforts to reduce session backlogs, he added.

The Education Ministry has urged universities to adjust their admission schedules so successful candidates can pursue higher education without losing an academic year.

Alfasane said students whose HSC results change following re-scrutiny would still have an opportunity to apply, provided the revised results are published before the application deadline.

DU has requested the Education Ministry to bring forward the re-scrutiny results to November 23 from November 27 to accommodate such applicants, he said.

The Education Ministry's November 3 meeting also discussed possible adjustments to admission schedules at other public universities, but no nationwide agreement on revised dates has been announced.