Over 800 seats cut in govt, private medical colleges

The government and private medical colleges in Bangladesh have decided to reduce over 800 seats for the 2025-26 academic year. However, the number of seats has been increased in some colleges.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Sunday (October 26). The meeting was chaired by Health Adviser Nurzahan Begum and started at 4:00pm, ending around 7:30pm.

An official of the Health Education Directorate present at the meeting said seats have been reduced in several medical colleges lacking standards and capacity for the 2025-26 academic year. According to the meeting's decision, 408 seats have been cut in government medical colleges and 408 seats in private medical colleges. In total, 816 seats have been reduced across government and private institutions. This number may decrease or increase further.

He said the GPA requirement for medical and dental admission applications has been lowered. According to the new decision, a candidate needs a combined GPA of 8.5 in SSC and HSC to apply for admission. However, candidates must secure a GPA of 4.0 separately in both SSC and HSC. Besides, a GPA of 3.5 is needed in Biology.