The highly anticipated admission test for the ‘C’ Unit of Rajshahi University (RU) for the 2025–26 academic session commenced on Friday, 16 January. The examination, held for first-year undergraduate (Honours) candidates, started at 11:00 a.m. for the first shift, while the second shift is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For the second consecutive year, this crucial examination is being conducted not only at the Rajshahi campus but also simultaneously at five regional centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Barishal. According to the university administration, a total of 126,225 candidates are appearing for the ‘C’ Unit exam this year. With only 1,536 available seats, the competition is intense, averaging nearly 82 candidates per seat.
The ‘C’ Unit encompasses a broad spectrum of academic disciplines under the Faculties of Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Biosciences, and Geology, covering a total of 26 departments. The examination follows a multiple-choice format, consisting of 80 questions worth 100 marks, with a duration of one hour. Notably, each incorrect answer carries a penalty of one mark.
Summary of Admission Statistics by Unit:
| Unit | Number of Seats | Number of Applicants | Competition per Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Arts) | 1,178 | 115,515 | 98 |
| B (Business) | 303 | 30,886 | 102 |
| C (Science) | 1,536 | 126,225 | 82 |
| Total | 4,017 | 272,626 | – |
On the morning of the test, candidates and their guardians began arriving at the examination centres from 9:00 a.m., with gates officially opening at 10:15 a.m. Entry rules strictly prohibited mobile phones, calculators, and other electronic devices. The exams are being conducted across the university’s academic buildings in a disciplined and orderly manner.
Professor Mahbubur Rahman, Proctor of Rajshahi University, confirmed that the examinations began smoothly under strict supervision. “Security measures are fully in place across the campus, and both law enforcement and the proctorial team are monitoring the proceedings closely,” he stated. To facilitate smooth arrival at the centres, members of the BNCC and Rover Scouts have been deployed at all major points.
Vice-Chancellor Saleh Hasan Naqib added, “All exams have commenced as scheduled across every centre. So far, no disruptions have been reported. With everyone’s cooperation, we are confident that the admission tests will be completed successfully.”
According to the examination schedule, the remaining ‘C’ Unit tests will take place on 17 January in two shifts. Following this, the ‘B’ Unit admission test is scheduled for 24 January in a single shift.