Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) stands as one of the most prestigious and historic medical institutions in Bangladesh. Established in 1875 as Dhaka Medical School and later upgraded to a medical college in 1962, it was renamed to honor Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah Bahadur, a visionary leader of Bengal. Located in the heart of Old Dhaka, the college has a deep-rooted legacy of producing top-tier medical professionals who serve both nationally and internationally.
Over the years, SSMC has evolved into a modern center for medical education, research, and healthcare. The institution maintains a reputation for academic excellence, advanced clinical training, and humanitarian service, making it a top choice for aspiring medical students from Bangladesh and beyond.
The foundation of SSMC dates back to the British colonial era. In 1875, the Dhaka Medical School was established to provide medical education and healthcare services to the people of East Bengal. It played a crucial role in addressing public health issues during that time.
In 1962, the institution achieved a new milestone when it was upgraded to Sir Salimullah Medical College. This transformation marked a significant step toward improving the quality of medical education and research in Bangladesh. The renaming honored Sir Khwaja Salimullah, a philanthropist and political leader who championed education and social reforms.
Over the decades, SSMC has produced countless physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders who have made substantial contributions to medicine worldwide. The institution’s alumni include pioneers in surgery, internal medicine, public health, and medical education.
The college is located in Mitford, Old Dhaka — one of the most historically rich and densely populated areas of the city. The campus is adjacent to the Mitford Hospital, which serves as the teaching hospital for students and provides healthcare to thousands of patients daily.
Despite being located in an older part of the city, Sir Salimullah Medical College has continually upgraded its facilities. The campus features lecture halls equipped with digital teaching aids, modern laboratories, dissection rooms, libraries, and a computer lab for research and learning support.
The central library of SSMC is well-stocked with thousands of medical textbooks, research journals, and digital resources. It serves as a vital center for academic learning and scholarly research.
Separate hostels for male and female students are available, providing safe and comfortable accommodation. Additionally, recreational areas, sports grounds, and student clubs encourage a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
The college is located in Mitford, Old Dhaka — one of the most historically rich and densely populated areas of the city. The campus is adjacent to the Mitford Hospital, which serves as the teaching hospital for students and provides healthcare to thousands of patients daily.
Despite being located in an older part of the city, Sir Salimullah Medical College has continually upgraded its facilities. The campus features lecture halls equipped with digital teaching aids, modern laboratories, dissection rooms, libraries, and a computer lab for research and learning support.
The central library of SSMC is well-stocked with thousands of medical textbooks, research journals, and digital resources. It serves as a vital center for academic learning and scholarly research.
Separate hostels for male and female students are available, providing safe and comfortable accommodation. Additionally, recreational areas, sports grounds, and student clubs encourage a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Sir Salimullah Medical College offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program under the affiliation of the University of Dhaka. The duration of the program is five years, followed by a one-year compulsory internship.
The curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC). It emphasizes both theoretical and practical learning, ensuring that graduates are competent in patient care and ethical practice.
Students start their journey by studying basic medical sciences such as:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
This phase builds a foundation for understanding the structure and function of the human body.
During the para-clinical stage, students dive deeper into subjects like:
Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Forensic Medicine
Community Medicine
This phase bridges the gap between theory and clinical practice.
The final stage focuses on clinical training in departments such as:
Medicine
Surgery
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatrics
Orthopedics
Ophthalmology
ENT
Students gain hands-on experience by interacting with real patients under the supervision of expert faculty members.
Admission to SSMC is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
Completion of 12 years of education (HSC or equivalent).
Science background with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Minimum GPA requirements as per the Bangladesh Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Admission is granted through a national medical admission test conducted by DGHS. The examination assesses knowledge in science subjects, general aptitude, and English proficiency.
Foreign students can also apply under the foreign student quota. They must have equivalent qualifications and submit necessary documents through the Bangladeshi Embassy in their respective countries.
Applications are submitted online through the DGHS website. Selected candidates are then allotted seats in SSMC based on merit and preferences.
Mitford Hospital, established in 1820, is one of the oldest hospitals in South Asia. It has a rich legacy of providing medical care and serves as the primary teaching hospital for SSMC.
The hospital offers students extensive clinical exposure across various specialties. With over 1,000 beds and a high patient inflow, it ensures hands-on training and practical learning experiences in real medical environments.
Mitford Hospital hosts a variety of specialized departments, including:
Cardiology
Neurology
Oncology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Surgery
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The hospital also supports clinical research projects and public health initiatives, aligning with the college’s mission to improve healthcare outcomes in Bangladesh.
Beyond academics, SSMC encourages cultural, sports, and social activities. Annual events like SSMC Cultural Week, sports tournaments, and medical camps foster teamwork and leadership.
The SSMC Students’ Union and medical associations organize awareness programs, blood donation drives, and health outreach initiatives across rural Bangladesh. Such participation builds social responsibility among future doctors.
Students frequently participate in rural healthcare programs and mobile medical units. This helps them understand real-world healthcare challenges and develop empathy toward underserved populations.
SSMC’s century-old legacy ensures a strong academic foundation. The faculty’s experience and the hospital’s vast patient base make it one of the best institutions for clinical learning.
Compared to many international medical colleges, SSMC offers quality education at a very reasonable cost, making it an ideal destination for both local and foreign students.
The MBBS degree from SSMC is recognized by:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC)
Medical Council of India (MCI)
General Medical Council (GMC, UK)
Graduates can work or continue postgraduate studies worldwide after passing relevant exams.
SSMC hosts students from various countries, promoting a multicultural environment that enhances mutual understanding and cooperation.
The college has a vast network of alumni who are successful doctors, researchers, and academicians across the world. This network supports mentorship, internships, and professional opportunities for current students.
Graduates from Sir Salimullah Medical College enjoy diverse career options in both the public and private sectors.
Many pursue specialization in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, or Gynecology within Bangladesh or abroad. SSMC graduates consistently achieve high success rates in international exams like USMLE, PLAB, and FMGE.
Graduates can practice as general physicians or specialists after registration with the BMDC. Many also serve in government hospitals and NGOs dedicated to public health.
With growing emphasis on global health, SSMC alumni play key roles in research organizations, universities, and international health agencies such as WHO and UNICEF.
Despite its achievements, SSMC faces challenges like limited infrastructure expansion, high student intake pressure, and the need for modernization in some facilities.
The administration aims to:
Expand digital learning tools and smart classrooms.
Strengthen international academic partnerships.
Enhance hospital facilities with advanced medical technology.
Promote global research collaborations.
These initiatives will further solidify its position as a premier medical institution in South Asia.
One of Bangladesh’s oldest and most reputed medical colleges.
Affordable MBBS tuition with global recognition.
Strong clinical exposure through Mitford Hospital.
Experienced faculty and advanced research facilities.
Multicultural student environment.
High global employability of graduates.
Sir Salimullah Medical College continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, producing competent and compassionate doctors ready to serve humanity.
Sir Salimullah Medical College stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s medical education heritage. It blends historical legacy with modern academic excellence, shaping students into skilled, ethical, and globally competitive medical professionals. For those aspiring to pursue an MBBS in Bangladesh, SSMC offers the perfect balance of affordability, experience, and opportunity—a pathway to a successful and fulfilling medical career.