National University Admission - Programmes, Process, and Eligibility
National University admission runs separately for each programme - Honours, Degree (Pass Course), and Masters - each with its own eligibility rules, application window, and (for Honours, as of the 2025-26 session) an admission test. Applications go through the official portal at nu.ac.bd/admissions, not through any third-party site. This page covers the general process; see the programme-specific pages for details on Honours, Degree, and Masters admission.
Quick facts
- National University reintroduced a 100-mark MCQ admission test for Honours starting with the 2025-26 session, after more than ten years without one, per The Business Standard.
- Honours, Degree, and Masters admission at National University each run as separate processes with their own eligibility and schedule.
- All official NU admission applications go through nu.ac.bd/admissions; no third-party site processes real applications.
If you're trying to understand how National University admission works before diving into a specific programme, this page covers the general process, eligibility basics, and where the real application happens.
Direct answer
National University runs admission separately for each programme it offers - Honours, Degree (Pass Course), and Masters - each with its own eligibility, timeline, and application steps, all through the official portal at nu.ac.bd/admissions. There is no single combined "National University admission" application that covers every programme at once.
Which admission are you looking for?
- Honours Admission - 4-year undergraduate programme, admitted through affiliated colleges. As of the 2025-26 session, this includes a 100-mark MCQ admission test.
- Degree (Pass Course) Admission - 3-year undergraduate programme, generally with a different, typically less competitive process than Honours.
- Masters Admission - for graduates of Honours or Degree programmes, with eligibility depending on your prior qualification.
If you're not sure which applies to you, check your SSC/HSC (or Degree) certificates against the eligibility criteria in that programme's current official circular before starting an application.
How National University admission generally works
- Circular is published - National University (or the relevant coordinating body) releases an official circular for that programme and session, stating eligibility, dates, and fees.
- Online application - Eligible students apply online through the official portal, selecting preferred colleges and subjects.
- Admission test (Honours, as of 2025-26) - Confirmed by mainstream reporting: National University reintroduced a 100-mark MCQ test for Honours after more than a decade without one, held within the application/test window that session's circular specifies.
- Merit list and selection - National University publishes a merit list; for the 2025-26 Honours session, this reportedly combines admission test marks with SSC/HSC results, though confirm the current weighting via the official circular.
- Confirmation and college enrollment - Selected students confirm their seat and complete enrollment formalities at their assigned or chosen college, following that session's specific instructions.
What's confirmed for the 2025-26 Honours session
Based on mainstream reporting (not aggregator sites), for the National University Honours 2025-26 admission session:
- National University reintroduced a 100-mark MCQ admission test, the first in over ten years, confirmed by The Business Standard.
- The online application deadline was extended to 22 February 2026 (from an original window starting 23 November 2025), per Prothom Alo.
- The application fee was Tk 1,000, payable via mobile banking or directly to the chosen college.
- The admission test format: 100 MCQ questions to be answered within one hour.
- Merit list weighting (as reported for this session): 100 marks from the test, plus 100 marks derived from board results - 40% from SSC GPA and 60% from HSC GPA.
These figures are specific to the 2025-26 session and confirmed by mainstream news coverage current at the time of writing. Details for future sessions can change - always check the current official circular rather than assuming these figures repeat.
A note on dates beyond what's confirmed above
Beyond the application deadline and test format above, many sites report specific admission-test dates, merit-list publication dates, and release-slip dates for the 2025-26 cycle. During research for this page, those specific downstream dates could only be traced to aggregator sites, not to mainstream news or an official NU notice independently confirmed here. Treat any such date as unverified until you check it directly at nu.ac.bd/admissions.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for National University admission?
Only through the official portal linked from nu.ac.bd/admissions. Application fees are paid via mobile banking or directly to your chosen college, following the instructions in that programme's official circular - never to a third-party site claiming to process NU applications.
Does National University have an admission test?
For Honours, yes as of the 2025-26 session - National University reintroduced a 100-mark MCQ admission test after more than a decade, confirmed by mainstream reporting. Degree (Pass Course) and Masters admission generally work differently; confirm the current process for your specific programme via the official circular.
What documents do I need for National University admission?
Typically your SSC and HSC (or equivalent) certificates and mark sheets for Honours, or your Degree certificate for Masters admission, plus any documents specified in that programme's official circular. Requirements can vary by session, so always check the current circular rather than a previous year's requirements.
How is the National University merit list decided?
For Honours 2025-26, National University's own confirmed structure combines the admission test score with SSC/HSC results - 100 marks from the test plus 100 marks derived from board results (40% SSC GPA, 60% HSC GPA). Confirm the current formula for your session via the official circular, since weighting can change between sessions.
Official sources
- National University Bangladesh - official website
- National University admission portal - official application portal
- The Business Standard - admission test reintroduction
- Prothom Alo - 2025-26 application deadline extension
Related National University pages
Written by Afrina Monjur.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I apply for National University admission?
- Only through the official portal linked from nu.ac.bd/admissions. Application fees are paid via mobile banking or directly to your chosen college, following the instructions in that programme's official circular - never to a third-party site claiming to process NU applications.
- Does National University have an admission test?
- For Honours, yes as of the 2025-26 session - National University reintroduced a 100-mark MCQ admission test after more than a decade, confirmed by mainstream reporting. Degree (Pass Course) and Masters admission generally work differently; confirm the current process for your specific programme via the official circular.
- What documents do I need for National University admission?
- Typically your SSC and HSC (or equivalent) certificates and mark sheets for Honours, or your Degree certificate for Masters admission, plus any documents specified in that programme's official circular. Requirements can vary by session, so always check the current circular rather than a previous year's requirements.
- How is the National University merit list decided?
- For Honours 2025-26, National University's own confirmed structure combines the admission test score with SSC/HSC results - 100 marks from the test plus 100 marks derived from board results (40% SSC GPA, 60% HSC GPA). Confirm the current formula for your session via the official circular, since weighting can change between sessions.