Which government MBBS colleges exist in Bangladesh and what are their eligibility rules?

Medical education is one of the most prestigious career choices in South Asia. For decades, Bangladesh has been at the forefront of producing skilled doctors who serve not only in the country but across the globe. Among the available institutions, government MBBS colleges in Bangladesh stand out for their affordable tuition fees, strong infrastructure, experienced faculty, and extensive clinical exposure.

While private medical colleges are also available, most students prefer government-run institutions due to their credibility and recognition by national and international medical councils. However, gaining admission is highly competitive, as eligibility rules are strictly enforced by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the government MBBS colleges in Bangladesh and a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria for both local and international applicants.

MBBS in Bangladesh: An Overview

• Degree Awarded: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

• Course Duration: 5 years of academic study + 1 year of compulsory internship

• Medium of Instruction: English

• Regulatory Authority: DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services)

• Recognition: NMC (India), WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER, and other international medical councils

• Seat Distribution: Around 11,000 MBBS seats in Bangladesh every year, out of which 4,000–4,500 belong to government colleges

List of Government MBBS Colleges in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has 37 government medical colleges across its eight divisions. These institutions are directly supervised by the Ministry of Health and offer world-class education at subsidized costs.

Dhaka Division

• Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka

• Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka

• Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka

• Mugda Medical College, Dhaka

• Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College, Gazipur

• Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College, Gopalganj

Chittagong Division

• Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong

• Rangamati Medical College, Rangamati

• Cox’s Bazar Medical College, Cox’s Bazar

• Chandpur Medical College, Chandpur

Rajshahi Division

• Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi

• Pabna Medical College, Pabna

• Naogaon Medical College, Naogaon

• Joypurhat Medical College, Joypurhat

Khulna Division

• Khulna Medical College, Khulna

• Kushtia Medical College, Kushtia

• Satkhira Medical College, Satkhira

Barisal Division

• Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barisal

• Patuakhali Medical College, Patuakhali

Sylhet Division

• Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet

• Habiganj Medical College, Habiganj

• Sunamganj Medical College, Sunamganj

Mymensingh Division

• Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh

• Netrokona Medical College, Netrokona

• Sheikh Hasina Medical College, Jamalpur

Rangpur Division

• Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur

• Gaibandha Medical College, Gaibandha

• Nilphamari Medical College, Nilphamari

👉 Besides these, new colleges are being established regularly, further expanding opportunities for aspiring doctors.

Seat Distribution in Government MBBS Colleges

• Total MBBS seats in government colleges: Around 4,300–4,500

• Foreign student quota: A limited percentage of seats reserved, mostly for SAARC countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives)

• Competition: Extremely high due to low cost and high quality of education

Eligibility Rules for MBBS in Government Colleges of Bangladesh

Eligibility rules differ slightly for local students and foreign students, but in all cases, the DGHS ensures transparency and fairness.

1. Eligibility Rules for Bangladeshi Students

• Educational Qualification

  • Must have passed SSC (Secondary School Certificate) and HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

  • Combined GPA of at least 9.0 in SSC and HSC.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology at HSC level.

• Admission Test

  • A nationwide entrance exam conducted by DGHS.

  • Format: MCQs covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and General Knowledge.

  • Negative marking: 0.25 deducted for each wrong answer.

• Age Requirement

  • Minimum: 17 years

  • Maximum: Around 25 years for general candidates

2. Eligibility Rules for Foreign Students (Including Indians)

• Educational Qualification

  • Equivalent to 10th (SSC) and 12th (HSC) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

  • Combined GPA equivalent of at least 7.0.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology.

• NEET Requirement (for Indian Students)

  • As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, qualifying NEET-UG is mandatory to study MBBS abroad.

  • NEET scorecard must be submitted during admission.

• Application Process

  • Students apply through the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission in their country.

  • Applications are verified by DGHS before final seat allocation.

• Age Requirement

  • Minimum: 17 years by December 31 of the admission year

  • No strict upper age limit, though most follow local rules

Admission Test Format for Local Students

• Total Marks: 100

• Duration: 1 hour

• Subject-wise Distribution:

  • Biology – 30 marks

  • Chemistry – 25 marks

  • Physics – 20 marks

  • English – 15 marks

  • General Knowledge – 10 marks

• Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer

Foreign students are generally exempt from this exam, as their admission depends on GPA and embassy nomination.

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Government Colleges of Bangladesh

1. Affordable Tuition Fees – Much cheaper compared to private medical colleges or MBBS abroad options like the USA, UK, or Australia.

2. International Recognition – Approved by WHO, NMC, ECFMG, FAIMER, and more.

3. Quality Education – Curriculum modeled on the British system.

4. Extensive Clinical Exposure – Government hospitals see a large number of patients daily, ensuring better practical training.

5. Cultural Similarity – For Indian students, the lifestyle, food, and environment are very similar.

6. Proximity to India – Quick travel options make it highly convenient.

Challenges for International Students

1. Limited Seats – Very few seats under the foreign quota.

2. Strict GPA Criteria – Only students with consistently good academic records can apply.

3. Lengthy Admission Process – Applications must be verified by both embassy and DGHS.

4. High Competition – Both local and foreign students compete for limited government college seats.

Step-by-Step Admission Process for Foreign Students

1. Check eligibility (GPA + NEET).

2. Collect required documents (passport, academic transcripts, NEET score, medical certificate).

3. Submit the application to the Bangladesh Embassy in your country.

4. Embassy forwards documents to DGHS in Bangladesh.

5. DGHS reviews and allocates a seat under the foreign student quota.

6. Pay the initial tuition fee and confirm admission.

Conclusion

Government MBBS colleges in Bangladesh are an excellent option for both local and foreign students who want to pursue medical education at an affordable cost without compromising quality. With 37 government medical colleges across the country and a transparent admission system, Bangladesh has established itself as a reliable hub for aspiring doctors.

While the admission process is highly competitive and eligibility rules are strictly enforced, students who meet the requirements benefit from a globally recognized MBBS degree, extensive clinical training, and strong career prospects.

For international students, especially those from India, Bangladesh serves as one of the most cost-effective and culturally familiar destinations for MBBS abroad.