GST cluster admission: nearly 295,000 applications, ‘A’ unit most popular

Staff Report: PNN

For the 2025–26 academic year, nearly 295,000 students applied for undergraduate first-year admissions under the general and science & technology (GST) cluster of 19 universities. By the end of the application process, 273,554 students had submitted applications across three units.

The Secretary of the GST Cluster Admission Core Committee and Registrar of Islamic University, Professor Dr. Monjurul Haque, confirmed the data on Thursday (January 1). He stated that the highest interest was observed in the ‘A’ Unit.

Statistics show that 159,189 students applied for the ‘A’ Unit (science), 90,404 for the ‘B’ Unit (humanities), and 23,961 for the ‘C’ Unit (business).

The application process, initially set to close on December 24, was extended to December 30 for students’ convenience, resulting in additional applications being received.

According to the admission schedule, the GST cluster exams will begin with the ‘C’ Unit on March 27, followed by the ‘B’ Unit on April 3, and the ‘A’ Unit on April 10.

Among the 19 universities under the cluster are Islamic University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Jessore Science and Technology University, Pabna Science and Technology University, Begum Rokeya University, Barisal University, and other established and newly founded higher education institutions across the country.

This year’s application numbers indicate growing interest and confidence among students in the cluster admission system, according to education experts.