There are a total of 174 universities in Bangladesh; among them, 58 are public universities. In public universities, students can complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with very low tuition fees, as most of the costs are covered by the government.
But to study in these universities, students must pass a highly competitive admission test. One of the toughest exams in Bangladesh is the public university admission test. In 2020, due to COVID-19, 20 public universities decided to hold a combined admission test. In 2021, two more universities joined this process.

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GST Admission Test 2026 Overview
The GST Admission Test 2026 is likely to take place around mid-March 2026. Traditionally, the GST admission examination is conducted within three to four months after the announcement of HSC results. The HSC 2025 results were released in November 2025, which aligns with this expected timeline.
In 2025, a total of 1,067,852 candidates passed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination, but the availability of seats in public universities remains limited. Only about 64,000 students secure admission to public universities each year. Among these, approximately 23,104 seats are offered through the GST admission system.
Due to this large seat allocation, GST stands as one of the largest centralized admission tests in Bangladesh. Of the total seats, 12,076 are reserved for Science students, 7,294 for Humanities, and 4,636 for Commerce candidates.
Students wishing to change their academic group must apply under the relevant unit and appear for the corresponding admission test. The GST examination is conducted through three distinct units, and the application fee is set at BDT 1,500.
Important Dates for GST Admission Test 2026
Admission exams demand precise planning, as missing a single deadline can result in losing an entire academic year. The GST Admission Test 2026 follows a fixed timeline, starting from the application process to the publication of results. Below are the expected key dates to help candidates stay prepared.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 2026 |
| Application Fee | 1,500 BDT |
| Admit Card Download | April 2026 |
| Admission Test | April 2026 |
| Result Announcement | April 2026 |
Keeping track of the GST schedule provides a significant advantage. Candidates are advised to mark important dates, set reminders, and regularly check the official GST admission website for updates.
Early preparation and careful attention to deadlines can prevent last-minute mistakes and improve your chances of obtaining a seat in a public university.
Eligibility Criteria for GST Admission Test 2026
Like other competitive university admission exams—such as those conducted by Dhaka University, BUET, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, and other institutions—the GST admission test has clearly defined eligibility requirements.
To apply, candidates must have passed the HSC examination. Students are also eligible to apply for a second attempt.
For GST 2026:
Applicants must have passed SSC in 2022 or 2023
Applicants must have passed HSC in 2024 or 2025
Group-wise GPA Requirements
Science Group
Combined GPA of 8.00 in SSC (or Dhakil) and HSC (or Alim)
Minimum GPA 3.50 in each exam, including the fourth subject
Humanities Group
Combined GPA of 6.00
At least 3.00 in both SSC and HSC, including the fourth subject
Commerce Group
Combined GPA of 6.50
Minimum 3.00 GPA in both SSC and HSC, including the fourth subject
Meeting these eligibility conditions is the first and most important step in the GST admission process. Applications that fail to meet GPA or passing-year requirements will be rejected. Therefore, candidates should verify all criteria carefully before applying to avoid unnecessary loss of time and money.
How to Apply for GST Admission Test 2026
The GST application process is straightforward, but even minor errors can lead to disqualification. Applications must be submitted online only through the official GST admission portal. Follow the steps below carefully.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Visit the Official Website
Access the GST admission portal at gstadmission.ac.bd, the only authorized website for applications.Confirm Eligibility
Check your SSC and HSC passing years, GPA, and subject requirements before proceeding.Complete the Online Application Form
Enter personal details such as name and date of birth
Provide SSC and HSC roll numbers and registration information
Select the appropriate unit (Science, Humanities, or Commerce)
Upload Required Documents
Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format.Pay the Application Fee
Fee amount: BDT 1,500
Payment options include bKash, Rocket, and Nagad
Download Application Copy
After successful submission, download and save the PDF version of your application.Download Admit Card
When available, log in to download your admit card. Print it on A4-size paper and bring it on exam day.
Although the process is fully online and convenient, accuracy is crucial. Always double-check your information before submission. Keep both your application copy and admit card safe, as they are mandatory for appearing in the exam.
GST Admission Test Pattern & Marks Distribution
The GST admission exam follows a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format. The test consists of 100 questions, each carrying 1 mark, and the total exam duration is 60 minutes.
The marking scheme is similar to admission tests conducted by Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Comilla University, Jahangirnagar University, and other general universities. The A Unit pattern is also comparable to Bangladesh Maritime University and engineering university admission tests.
A Unit (Science Group) Mark Distribution
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Physics | 25 |
| Chemistry | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 |
| Biology | 25 |
| Bangla | 25 |
| English | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
Candidates must answer Physics and Chemistry compulsorily and choose any two subjects from Mathematics, Biology, Bangla, and English.
B Unit (Humanities Group) Mark Distribution
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 35 |
| English | 35 |
| General Knowledge | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
C Unit (Commerce Group) Mark Distribution
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 15 |
| English | 15 |
| Accounting | 35 |
| Management | 35 |
| Total | 100 |
Each incorrect answer results in negative marking, where 1 mark is deducted for every 4 wrong answers. This system is similar to admission exams conducted by Dhaka University, BUP, Rajshahi University, and Chittagong University.
GST Admission Test Date & Time 2026
The exam schedule, seat plan, and timings for GST Admission Test 2026 have been officially announced. Being aware of these details helps candidates avoid confusion and arrive prepared.
| Unit | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| A Unit (Science) | April 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| B Unit (Humanities) | April 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| C Unit (Commerce) | April 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
Important Guidelines
Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes early
Late entry is strictly prohibited
Bring your admit card and a valid photo ID
Follow your assigned seat number and timing carefully
Reviewing the seat plan and schedule in advance allows candidates to plan travel, stay relaxed, and focus entirely on performing well.
Universities Under GST Admission System 2026
The GST admission test operates as a combined admission system, introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, it is also known as the Combined University Admission Test.
Initially, 24 public universities participated in the GST system. However, in 2025, five universities withdrew and resumed independent admission processes. As a result, 19 universities currently remain under GST.
Some notable institutions include Jagannath University, Khulna University, Comilla University, and Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST).
Out of Bangladesh’s 58 public universities, the GST system includes:
5 general universities
13 science and technology universities
1 digital university
List of GST Universities
| University Name | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|
| Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University | Mymensingh | 2006 |
| Islamic University | Kushtia | 1979 |
| Begum Rokeya University | Rangpur | 2006 |
| University of Barishal | Barishal | 2011 |
| Rabindra University | Sirajganj | 2017 |
| Netrakona University | Netrakona | 2018 |
| HSTU | Dinajpur | 1999 |
| MBSTU | Tangail | 1999 |
| Jashore University of Science & Technology | Jashore | 2007 |
| Patuakhali Science & Technology University | Patuakhali | 2000 |
| Noakhali Science & Technology University | Noakhali | 2001 |
| Pabna University of Science & Technology | Pabna | 2008 |
| Rangamati Science & Technology University | Rangamati | 2014 |
| Jamalpur Science & Technology University | Jamalpur | 2017 |
| Chandpur Science & Technology University | Chandpur | 2021 |
| Sunamganj Science & Technology University | Sunamganj | 2020 |
| Gazipur Digital University | Gazipur | 2016 |
| Pirojpur Science & Technology University | Pirojpur | 2017 |
| Kishoreganj University | Kishoreganj | 2020 |
Final Words
Success in the GST admission test depends on focused preparation, strong fundamentals, and effective time management. Consistent practice and a clear strategy can help you outperform thousands of competitors.

