How to Take MBBS Admission In Bangladesh Under SAARC Quota

Every year, the Government of Bangladesh announces an opportunity for international students to apply for admission to Government Medical Colleges and Dental Colleges in the country. For the academic year 2024-2025, the Directorate General of Medical Education, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is offering a total of 221 seats for foreign students in these colleges. Here's everything you need to know if you want to apply for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) courses in Bangladesh.

1. Total Number of Seats Available

For the 2024-2025 session, a total of 221 seats are available for foreign students:
117 seats are reserved for students from SAARC countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries).
99 seats are reserved for students from Non-SAARC countries.
5 seats are reserved under Bangladesh’s government scholarship program.

2. Country-wise Allocation of Seats

The seats are distributed between SAARC and Non-SAARC countries. SAARC countries include nations like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and others.
For India (SAARC country), the seats are divided as:

• 22 seats for MBBS
• 2 seats for BDS

No SAARC country students will be allowed to apply for the seats reserved for Non-SAARC countries, and vice versa.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

A. Academic Records:

• Applicants must have completed their 'O' level (10th grade) and 'A' level (12th grade) or equivalent with a science background.
• The 'O' level examination should have been passed after 2021.
• The 'A' level examination must be completed in 2023 or 2024 and within 3 years of completing the 'O' level.

GPA Requirement:

• A minimum GPA of 9.00 is required in both the 'O' and 'A' level exams combined.
• For the 'A' level exam, the student must have at least a 4.00 GPA in Biology (which is equivalent to 70% or more marks).

B. Document Attestation:

• All documents must be attested by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the student's country.
• The documents must then be authenticated by the Bangladesh Embassy in the student's country.

4. Application Process

If you meet the eligibility criteria, here's how you can apply:
Fill out the application form (Template is provided by the Ministry).
Gather all required documents, including:

• Passport-size photograph
• Passport
• Academic documents (certificates and mark sheets of your 'O' and 'A' level exams).
• Attested documents from your country's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Authentication by the Bangladesh Embassy.
• Submit all documents to your Ministry of Foreign Affairs or responsible authority by 15th January 2025.
• After verification by your country’s Ministry, the documents will be forwarded to the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs by 15th February 2025.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send your documents to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh by 2nd March 2025.

5. Tuition Fees

• For SAARC country students, the tuition and other fees are the same as those charged to Bangladeshi students.
• For Non-SAARC country students, there is an additional fee of $5000 per year in addition to the regular tuition fee for Bangladeshi students.
• If a student fails an exam and needs more time to complete the course, additional charges will apply.

6. Admission Timeline

The admissions will start from 15th April 2025 and will continue until 22nd May 2025. Students must follow all the rules and regulations of the respective college, hostel, and hospital authorities.

7. Documents Verification and Legalities

Any attempt to fabricate or fake documents during the admission process will result in the cancellation of admission and could lead to legal consequences.
If any document or information is found to be false later, the student's admission will be void and they will be held accountable under the law.

8. Admission Policy

The admission process for MBBS and BDS courses follows the guidelines set by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC). This ensures that only eligible and qualified candidates are selected for the courses.

9. Additional Information
For further information and updates, you can visit the following official websites:

• www.mefwd.gov.bd
• www.dgme.gov.bd
• www.dghs.gov.bd

Conclusion

This is a fantastic opportunity for international students, especially those from SAARC countries, to study medicine or dentistry in Bangladesh. If you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process carefully, you could become part of one of Bangladesh's prestigious government medical or dental colleges. Be sure to submit your documents on time and ensure that all information is correct, as any discrepancies could affect your admission.

Good luck with your application!