DU Retains MCQ-Written Admission Test Format; Fine Arts, IBA to Hold Separate Exams

Dhaka University (DU) has decided to maintain its dual evaluation structure combining Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and written examinations for the upcoming 2026–27 undergraduate admission tests, while prescribing specialized exam patterns for the Fine Arts and IBA units.

According to decisions finalized during Sunday’s General Admission Committee meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, candidates across major streams will be evaluated on a total of 120 marks. Out of these, 100 marks are allocated to the admission test itself, while the remaining 20 marks will be calculated based on the candidate's SSC/equivalent and HSC/equivalent examination results.

For three primary units—Science, Arts, Law and Social Sciences, and Business Studies—the 100-mark examination will consist of a 60-mark MCQ section and a 40-mark written section. Candidates will be allotted 45 minutes for the MCQ portion and 45 minutes for the written portion, making the total exam duration 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The university has structured separate assessment formats for the Fine Arts Unit and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Unit to align with their specialized curricula. The Fine Arts Unit exam will comprise a 40-mark MCQ section (30 minutes) and a 60-mark practical drawing test (60 minutes). Meanwhile, the IBA Unit exam will feature a 70-mark MCQ section spanning 90 minutes, followed by a 30-mark descriptive writing section lasting 30 minutes, bringing the total examination duration for IBA applicants to two hours.