The National University affiliated colleges are facing an overwhelming number of seat vacancies despite early initiation of admission process for graduate students.
At least two lakh seats of students may remain vacant in its affiliated colleges this year, according to an official of Secondary and Higher Education Division.
Such a trend has also been reflected in the latest annual reports of the 48th and 49th of the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the year of 2022 and 2023.
Recent trend shows there were no admission tests for the National University’s 2023-2024 academic session. Now admission is based solely on SSC and HSC equivalent examination results. The National University releases admission results in stages — 1st merit list, 2nd merit list and 3rd merit list. It published the Honours Admission Result 2024’s first merit list on March 18, 2024.
According to several official sources, this time the classes will also start first in the colleges affiliated with the university. The university authorities said the classes of students admitted in this academic year will start from April 21.
About 70% of all students enrolled in higher education in Bangladesh are affiliated with the National University, which is the largest higher education provider with 2,260 colleges.
Persistent vacancies:
Despite efforts to streamline admissions and commence classes promptly, a substantial number of seats in National University affiliated colleges remain unoccupied.
According to the latest 49th annual report of UGC, the number of seats in the National University Graduate (Pass) / Graduate (Honours) / Graduate Technical / Equivalent level was 9,01,545, while admitted students were 7,04,196 and vacant seats were 1,97,349.
Conversely the 49th annual report shows 3,49,715 students were admitted at the Bachelor (Honours)/Graduate Technical level alone out of a total of 4,36,090 seats; 86,375 seats were left unfilled.
Earlier, according to the 48th annual report of the UGC, the number of seats in the National University at the Graduate (Pass)/Graduate (Honours)/Graduate Technical/Equivalent level was 10,09,791. The number of admitted students was 6,13,133 while 3,96,662 seats lay vacant.
However, the 48th annual report shows there were 5,87,801 seats available at the Bachelor (Honours)/Graduate Technical level alone; 3,87,916 students were accepted, leaving 1,99,885 seats empty.
Underlying factors:
Several factors contribute to this concerning trend. The allure of prestigious public universities like Dhaka University often prompts students to opt for early admission at the National University affiliated colleges. However, a significant portion subsequently secures admission to these esteemed institutions, leaving their initial seats vacant. Additionally, the allure of employment or pursuing undergraduate studies abroad further exacerbates the vacancy crisis.
According to information, previously the admission process started at the National University after almost all public universities, including Dhaka University. Those who did not get opportunities in these public universities could easily get admission to the colleges of the National University.
Financial implications:
The repercussions of this vacancy dilemma extend beyond mere numbers. Many students, enticed by the prospect of attending renowned universities, find themselves burdened by financial strain.
The cycle of admission and subsequent departure imposes financial hardships on students and their families, underscoring the need for a sustainable solution. It is seen that students participate
University Response:
In response to the prevailing challenges, Md. Moshiur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, emphasizes the institution’s pivotal role in higher education. With 70 percent of total students enrolled in higher education affiliated with the National University, efforts are underway to mitigate delays and commence classes promptly.
However, the magnitude of the challenge necessitates collaborative strategies and innovative approaches, he stated.
Senior Assistant Secretary Satarupa Talukder of the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division stated that steps have been taken to better the academic standing of colleges affiliated with the National University by connecting them to the neighbouring public universities.
According to a Secondary and Higher Education Division’s notification published on Thursday, five colleges in Chattogram district and four colleges in Rajshahi district are now affiliated with Chittagong and Rajshahi Universities respectively. There are plans to affiliate some more colleges located in district towns.