Chittagong Medical College (CMC) stands as a prestigious government medical institution located in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Established in 1957, it has become a cornerstone of medical education and healthcare in the country. With a rich history, modern facilities, and highly qualified faculty, the college provides an ideal learning environment for aspiring doctors and medical researchers.
The college operates under the University of Chittagong and is recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) and international bodies like WHO. Its mission is to train students in evidence-based medicine, research, and patient care, preparing them to meet both local and global healthcare challenges.
Chittagong Medical College began its journey on July 20, 1957, with a vision to expand medical education beyond the capital city of Dhaka. Initially, the college started in temporary facilities, but over the years, it developed into one of the largest and most respected medical institutions in Bangladesh.
In its early years, CMC started with only a handful of students and limited resources. Yet, with strong government support and visionary leadership, the college rapidly expanded. By the 1960s, it had established laboratories, libraries, hostels, and a teaching hospital that provided hands-on experience to students.
Throughout the decades, CMC has contributed significantly to the healthcare sector of Bangladesh. It has trained thousands of doctors who serve both in the country and abroad. The college’s research contributions in tropical diseases, community health, and public medicine are noteworthy, making it a leader in medical innovation and education.
With continuous upgrades in infrastructure and technology, CMC has entered a new era of digitalized education. It now offers computer-assisted learning, telemedicine, and simulation-based clinical training, aligning itself with international medical education standards.
Chittagong Medical College provides a comprehensive range of medical programs designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise.
The MBBS program at CMC is a five-year undergraduate degree followed by a one-year mandatory internship. The course is structured according to the guidelines of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council, ensuring consistency and excellence in medical education across the nation.
Pre-clinical Phase: Covers basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
Para-clinical Phase: Focuses on subjects like Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine.
Clinical Phase: Includes disciplines like Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Community Medicine.
Students undergo continuous assessment through written exams, practical tests, and viva voce. The final professional exams are rigorous, ensuring only competent students proceed to the internship phase.
In addition to undergraduate courses, CMC offers postgraduate degrees (MD, MS, MPhil) in various specialties such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Pathology. These programs are affiliated with the University of Chittagong and are recognized internationally.
CMC encourages research in public health, clinical medicine, and biomedical sciences. It has dedicated research units and collaborations with global institutions, promoting innovation and evidence-based practice.
Chittagong Medical College boasts a modern campus that provides students with state-of-the-art facilities, promoting a balanced academic and social life.
The college has spacious lecture halls equipped with multimedia systems and digital boards. Each department has its own laboratory designed for hands-on learning in anatomy, pathology, and biochemistry.
CMC’s central library houses thousands of textbooks, journals, and research papers. In addition, students have access to online databases, e-journals, and medical software for advanced learning and research.
The attached Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) serves as the primary teaching hospital. It is one of the largest healthcare facilities in the region, offering tertiary care and specialized services. Students gain real-world experience by observing and assisting in various departments, including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, and oncology.
Bed Capacity: Over 1,000 beds
Annual Outpatients: Approximately 700,000
Inpatients: Over 100,000 annually
Emergency Services: 24/7 operation with multiple specialized units
This exposure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to handle complex medical cases in their professional careers.
CMC provides separate hostels for male and female students with amenities like Wi-Fi, study rooms, and cafeterias. Recreational facilities include sports grounds, gyms, and cultural clubs to ensure a well-rounded student experience.
Admission to Chittagong Medical College is highly competitive and conducted through a transparent national medical entrance examination.
Applicants must have completed 12 years of schooling (HSC or equivalent).
Minimum GPA requirements are set by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Candidates must have strong academic backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
International candidates, particularly from SAARC countries, can apply under the foreign quota. The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare manages the application process for these students.
Academic transcripts and certificates
Passport and visa documents
Equivalence certificate from DGHS
Medical fitness certificate
Once selected, international students are provided with orientation and academic counseling to help them adapt to the environment.
Beyond academics, CMC emphasizes holistic development. Students engage in cultural, social, and humanitarian activities that foster leadership, teamwork, and empathy.
CMC Students’ Union: Represents student interests and coordinates extracurricular events.
Community Health Clubs: Promote health awareness programs in rural and urban areas.
Research and Debate Societies: Encourage analytical thinking and public speaking skills.
Annual sports competitions, cultural nights, and inter-college fests make campus life vibrant. Students actively participate in cricket, football, and athletics, balancing their academic and social engagements.
Chittagong Medical College’s reputation extends far beyond Bangladesh. It is recognized by multiple international organizations and maintains partnerships with global medical universities.
CMC is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), FAIMER, and WHO, which allows its graduates to pursue higher studies and licensing exams abroad, including the USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and AMC (Australia).
The college collaborates with international research institutions and NGOs for projects in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and community health. These partnerships enhance students’ global exposure and research experience.
The strength of Chittagong Medical College lies in its experienced and dedicated faculty. Professors and lecturers come from diverse medical backgrounds, contributing to a dynamic and multidisciplinary learning environment.
CMC employs a student-centered teaching model that integrates theory with practical exposure.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Simulation-Based Clinical Training
Group Discussions and Case Studies
Interactive Seminars and Workshops
These methods encourage critical thinking and help students develop clinical reasoning skills essential for real-life medical practice.
Research is a core part of Chittagong Medical College’s mission. Faculty and students engage in research covering epidemiology, clinical trials, and public health initiatives.
Infectious and tropical diseases
Maternal and child health
Non-communicable diseases
Community-based health interventions
CMC has a dedicated Research Cell that supports proposal writing, ethics approval, and data analysis. Research findings are often published in reputed journals like the Bangladesh Medical Journal and international publications.
As one of the leading healthcare institutions in southeastern Bangladesh, CMC plays a vital role in public health and community welfare.
The college conducts vaccination drives, maternal health awareness programs, and health camps in rural areas. These initiatives allow students to apply their knowledge while serving the underprivileged.
During the pandemic, CMC and its hospital played a crucial role in testing, treatment, and public awareness campaigns. The faculty and students worked tirelessly alongside government agencies to combat the crisis.
Graduates of Chittagong Medical College have a wide range of career opportunities in Bangladesh and abroad.
Clinical Practice: Government and private hospitals in Bangladesh and overseas.
Higher Studies: Postgraduate programs (MD, MS, PhD) at leading global universities.
Public Health: Work with WHO, UNICEF, and other international health organizations.
Research and Academia: Positions in universities and research institutions.
CMC alumni hold prestigious positions across the world — from medical professors and hospital directors to researchers contributing to global medical breakthroughs.
Chattogram, Bangladesh’s major port city, offers a beautiful and vibrant environment for students. With its coastal charm, cultural heritage, and friendly locals, it provides an enriching atmosphere for learning and personal growth.
The campus is well-connected by public transportation, making commuting easy for students. The nearby airport offers domestic and international flights, convenient for international scholars.
Students enjoy exploring local attractions like Patenga Beach, Foy’s Lake, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts during breaks. The city’s blend of tradition and modernity makes it a comfortable home for both local and foreign students.
Chittagong Medical College is not just a place to study medicine — it’s an institution that shapes future leaders in healthcare. Its strong academic reputation, clinical exposure, and global recognition make it an ideal choice for aspiring doctors.
Government-funded institution with affordable tuition fees
Globally recognized MBBS program
Experienced faculty and advanced teaching methodologies
Multicultural campus with diverse student community
Access to a high-volume teaching hospital
Opportunities for international exposure and research
Graduating from CMC ensures lifelong career opportunities and recognition. The rigorous academic environment prepares students not only for medical practice but also for leadership roles in healthcare innovation and policy.
Chittagong Medical College has upheld its reputation for more than six decades as a beacon of medical education and healthcare excellence in Bangladesh. By combining academic rigor with compassionate service, it has produced generations of skilled doctors who continue to make a global impact.
Whether you are a local student aspiring to serve your community or an international candidate seeking a reputable medical education at an affordable cost, Chittagong Medical College stands as a symbol of opportunity, excellence, and dedication to humanity.