Published: 07:49 AM, 24 July 2026
Impractical Admission Tests in Universities and Medical Colleges Oppose Academic Goals
Admission tests for universities and medical colleges in Bangladesh have long been considered a gateway for selecting talented students for higher education. However, growing concerns over the current admission system suggest that many aspects of these examinations are becoming disconnected from the actual goals of education. Instead of encouraging creativity, understanding, and academic development, some admission practices are increasingly pushing students toward memorization, coaching dependency, and excessive competition.
Education experts argue that an admission system should identify students who possess the ability, curiosity, and academic foundation required for advanced study. However, when tests focus mainly on complicated techniques, unnecessary pressure, and short-term preparation strategies, they may fail to measure the qualities needed for successful university and medical education.
In Bangladesh, admission to public universities and medical colleges is highly competitive because the number of applicants is far greater than the available seats. Every year, thousands of students compete for limited opportunities after completing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. While competition itself is not a problem, the nature of many admission tests has raised questions about whether the process truly supports the objectives of the national education system.
One of the major criticisms of existing admission tests is their heavy dependence on memorization. Many questions require students to recall large amounts of information within a limited period rather than demonstrate analytical skills or practical understanding. As a result, students often spend months memorizing textbooks, guidebooks, and coaching materials instead of developing deeper knowledge of their subjects.
This situation has contributed to the rapid growth of coaching centres across the country. Many students and families feel that admission success depends more on private coaching than on classroom learning. Students from financially stronger backgrounds can often access expensive coaching programs, while those from less privileged families may struggle to compete. This creates inequality and challenges the idea of education as an equal opportunity for all.
The pressure surrounding admission tests also affects students’ mental health. After years of academic preparation, many young people experience extreme stress because their future seems to depend on a single examination. Failure to secure a desired university or medical college seat can lead to disappointment and uncertainty, even among students who performed well in their previous academic levels.
Medical college admission tests face particular criticism because medical education requires qualities beyond academic knowledge. Future doctors need communication skills, ethical awareness, problem-solving ability, and practical understanding of human health. An admission process that mainly evaluates memorization may not effectively identify students who have the personal qualities required for the medical profession.
Similarly, universities are expected to produce researchers, innovators, professionals, and responsible citizens. Higher education requires independent thinking, creativity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations. If admission tests reward only examination techniques and information recall, students may enter universities without sufficient preparation for the challenges of advanced learning.
Education specialists believe that Bangladesh needs a more balanced admission system that reflects modern academic goals. Internationally, many universities consider multiple factors when selecting students, including academic records, written assessments, interviews, research interests, and extracurricular achievements. Although such systems also have challenges, they attempt to evaluate students more broadly.
A possible solution could be improving the quality of admission questions. Instead of focusing heavily on memorization, examinations could include more analytical and application-based questions. Students should be encouraged to understand concepts, solve problems, and connect classroom knowledge with practical situations. Such changes would help align admission tests with the objectives of higher education.
Another important step is strengthening secondary and higher secondary education so that students do not have to depend excessively on coaching centres. If schools and colleges provide stronger academic support, quality teaching, and proper assessment methods, students will be better prepared for university admission through regular learning rather than additional coaching.
The use of technology may also help create a fairer and more efficient admission process. Digital examination systems, improved question banks, and transparent evaluation methods could reduce administrative difficulties and increase confidence among students and parents. However, technology alone cannot solve the problem unless the fundamental goals of admission testing are reconsidered.
The government and educational authorities have taken several initiatives to reform admission procedures, including changes in examination methods and discussions about centralized admission systems. However, successful reform requires cooperation among policymakers, teachers, universities, medical institutions, students, and education experts. Any new system should focus on fairness, academic quality, and the long-term needs of the country.
Bangladesh is a young nation with a large population of talented students. Providing these students with a meaningful pathway to higher education is essential for national development. Universities and medical colleges are responsible for preparing future leaders, scientists, doctors, and professionals. Therefore, their admission systems must identify potential, not simply test memorization skills. A well-designed admission test should motivate students to learn, explore, and think critically. It should not create unnecessary barriers that prevent capable students from reaching higher education. The purpose of education is not merely to pass examinations but to develop knowledge, skills, values, and creativity.
As Bangladesh moves toward becoming a more knowledge-based society, reforming admission tests has become increasingly important. An impractical admission system can weaken academic goals by encouraging unhealthy competition and limiting opportunities for students. A modern, fair, and skill-based approach can ensure that higher education institutions receive students who are not only academically qualified but also prepared to contribute positively to society.
The future of Bangladesh’s education system depends on how effectively it can balance selection with opportunity. Admission tests should serve education, not stand in the way of it.
Sarwar Chowdhury writes on geopolitical
standings and contemporary matters.
