Thousands of Students in Uncertainty Due to No Second Chance in Admission Tests

Staff Report: PNN

Competition in higher education admissions is increasing, along with growing controversy over the “second-time” or “second chance” admission test system. While some public universities allow second-time admission under certain conditions, top universities completely prohibit it, leaving thousands of students uncertain and frustrated each year.

Currently, the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), KUET, RUET, CUET, and BUTEX do not allow second-time admission tests. On the other hand, several universities including Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Khulna University, and Cumilla University allow second attempts under specific conditions.

Many students complain that after completing higher secondary education, they do not get enough time for proper preparation. Due to financial, family, physical, or mental challenges, many cannot perform well in their first attempt and later lose the opportunity to prove themselves.

One student said that a single bad exam or small mistake should not end a person’s entire educational future and that students should have another chance to compete.

Another student said it is frustrating to be denied participation in exams due to policy restrictions after a year of hard preparation. He believes all public universities should have a unified admission policy.

Universities that do not allow second-time admission argue that it ensures equal competition for first-time candidates, helps prevent admission fraud, and avoids administrative complications caused by vacant seats.

Authorities say that if a student leaves one university after enrolling, the vacant seat creates administrative complications and uncertainty for new admissions.

The new administration of the University of Dhaka has hinted at discussions on the issue. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, said the matter cannot be changed unilaterally and will be reviewed by relevant policy-making bodies if necessary, but no final decision has been made.

A section of educationists believes access to higher education should not be limited to a single attempt or age group. They argue that students should be given the opportunity to prove their ability again with better preparation.

They also suggest alternative systems, such as restricting re-exam opportunities within the same university once admitted, which could reduce seat vacancy problems while still allowing fair competition.

In many countries, students can take university entrance exams multiple times. In Japan, students may spend one or more years preparing for admission exams. China’s Gaokao, South Korea’s CSAT, and various Indian national entrance exams also allow repeated attempts under certain conditions.

Experts say that in these countries, a single exam is not considered the sole determinant of a student’s future.

Every year, students demand the introduction of second-time admission opportunities through human chains, memorandums, and protests. They call for a unified national admission policy to ensure fairness.

Education stakeholders say that while the decision is policy-based, a unified admission system for all public universities is now necessary to reduce inequality and ensure fairness in higher education access.