NU Admission: The Complete Guide in Bangladesh

Getting admission into a good university is a major milestone for students completing their higher secondary education in Bangladesh. With so many colleges and 18 million students enrolled, National University (NU) is the largest university in the country by far.

However, the admission process of National University is viewed as complex and competitive by many applicants. Questions like eligibility criteria, application process, fees structure and preparation tips for the admission test often confuse prospective students.

This comprehensive guide on NU admission in Bangladesh aims to address all such queries in detail. Whether you are looking to get into an NU-affiliated college for an undergraduate program right after your HSC exams, or want to pursue a master’s degree from NU as a working professional, you will find all admission-related information in this blog post.

What is National University (NU)?

Established in 1992 through an Act passed in the Bangladesh National Parliament, National University is the 5th largest university in the world with a total student population exceeding 2 million.

• Over 158 academic institutions spread across Bangladesh are affiliated under NU
• Imparts education in humanitarian, business, science, engineering, medical, law and other disciplines
• Headquarters located in Gazipur with regional campus offices across divisions

NU conducts admission tests and awards degrees while the affiliated colleges facilitate classes, provide facilities, etc. Many reputed colleges like Dhaka College, Eden College, Dhanmondi Government Boys’ High School offer NU-accredited programs.

NU Admission Eligibility Criteria

To apply for undergraduate admission in NU, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• Academic qualification: Passed HSC or equivalent examination in relevant discipline
• Minimum GPA: Varies across departments, usually 2.0 to 3.5 out of 5.0
• Age limit: Generally below 25 years is preferred
• Other criteria: Admission tests, quota system, etc. which we will cover later

For master’s programs, candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree (4 years after HSC) in the relevant field with second class grades.

Step-by-Step NU Admission Application Process

NU follows an annual admission cycle. Here are the key dates and procedures for applying to NU affiliated colleges:

1. Application Form Submission

• Ad forms are released in July in online and offline mode
• Deadline is usually 3rd week of July
• Forms can be downloaded from NU’s official website

2. Admit Card Download

• Hall tickets to appear for admission test are issued in August
• Card contains roll no, venue details, instructions
• Mandatory to carry this card on exam day

3. Admission Test

• Tests are held in the month of September
• Comprises of multiple choice questions testing general knowledge and analytical aptitude
• Separate exams for departments like Engineering, Business Studies, etc.

4. Result Publication

• Test results are published in October on NU’s website
• Selected lists contain application numbers of successful candidates
• Cut-off marks vary across departments and categories

5. Enrollment in Affiliated Colleges

• Students enroll in allotted colleges before November
• Original documents are verified at this stage
• If seats remain vacant, additional merit lists may be published

NU Admission Fees Breakdown

The major heads under NU admission costs are:

• Application Fees: Tk. 100 to 300 depending on mode
• Admission Fees: Ranges from Tk. 1,000 to 1,500
• Monthly Tuition Fees: Tk. 300 to 1,000 basis course opted
• Other Fees: Library, lab equipment usage charges extra

Bachelor’s programs with lab curriculum like Engineering and Pharmacy have higher fees. Also, costs can differ substantially across NU affiliated colleges.

Top Departments for NU Admission

Some most popular disciplines that receive maximum applications for NU undergraduate admission include:

• Business Studies – Covers marketing, finance, accounting, management
• Law – High demand due to abundant career prospects
• English – Focus on literature, linguistics and communication skills
• Economics – Offers general and specialized Honours tracks
• Computer Science & Engineering – Deals with software and IT infrastructure

NU Admission Quota System

Besides open merit seats, NU reserves quotas for candidates belonging to special categories:

• Freedom Fighters – 10% seats allocated for their children/grandchildren
• Disabled Students – 5% reservation for physically challenged applicants
• Female Students – 10% seats in Engineering and Agriculture disciplines
• Ethnic Minorities – Focus on deprived groups like Dalits

Eligible students can apply under relevant quota to increase their admission chances.

Life at NU After Getting Admission

Some salient features of academic life for NU students are:

• Extra-curriculars – Platform to showcase talents through clubs and fests
• Campus Culture – Vibrant student activities revolving around academics
• Faculty & Labs – Availability of facilities may vary across colleges

NU Vs Other Bangladeshi Universities

How does National University compare against other top universities of Bangladesh?

Parameter	National University	Dhaka University
Year of Establishment	1992	1921
Type of University	Affiliating	Research
Undergraduate Programs Offered	158+ departments	55+ departments
Approach	Theoretical focus	Practical orientation
Notable Alumni	Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury, Sajeeb Wazed	Muhammad Yunus, Fazlur Rahman Khan

While Dhaka University is more research-focused, NU offers more discipline choices and student enrollment due to its affiliating structure.

Conclusion

Getting into National University for higher education can open up tremendous opportunities for students in Bangladesh. However, with limited seats and high competition, gaining admission into NU is challenging.

By understanding the admission process, eligibility criteria, fees structure, best college options, preparation hacks, and quota choices covered in this article, aspirants can navigate the NU application journey smoothly. Heeding the tips around optimizing test performance is key to outperform fellow applicants by wide margins.

To summarize, this well-researched and extensive blog post aims to clarify all doubts around National University admission in Bangladesh most sought-after programs. By referring to the categorized information, tips and comparative parameters discussed in each section, students should now feel fully equipped to target their preferred NU disciplines smartly.

So prepare diligently, choose wisely and apply meticulously to achieve your NU admission goals now!

Frequently Asked Questions on NU Admission

Q: How hard is it to get NU admission?

A: With acceptance rates around 10-15% for popular subjects, NU admission competition is high. Meticulous preparation is vital.

Q: Can I apply for multiple disciplines?

A: Yes, NU allows submitting applications to 5 disciplines by paying fees separately.

Q: Which NU affiliated colleges are the best?

A: Leading picks are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, etc depending on course preferences.

Q: What are the top 5 departments in terms of competition for NU admission?
A: The 5 NU departments that receive highest number of applications and have most competitive admissions are:

• Business Studies
• Computer Science & Engineering
• English
• Law
• Economics

Q: Which NU programs accept HSC pass candidates without minimum GPA criteria?
A: Programs like Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies, Library Management, Political Studies accept graduates without minimum GPA cut-offs. Eligibility is just passing HSC exams.

Q: Can NU BA, B.Com and BSC programs be pursued after diplomas?
A: Yes, students who have completed college diploma programs in relevant disciplines after SSC exams can directly apply for 2nd year entry in undergraduate programs like BA, B.Com and B.Sc at NU affiliated colleges.

Q: Is there any age restrictions for Masters, MPhil and PhD admissions in NU?
A: No upper age restrictions are specified for postgraduate admissions in NU. Minimum eligibility criteria are: Masters – valid undergraduate degree, MPhil – Masters degree, PhD – MPhil or equivalent degree.