CUET Admission 2025-26: Applications Open for 931 Seats as University Goes ‘Solo’ Again

CUET breaks away from the engineering cluster for the second time. Applications are open for the 2025-26 session with 931 seats up for grabs. See eligibility and exam format.

CUET Admission Circular 2025-26: Apply Now for 931 Seats | Exam Date Jan 17

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has officially decoupled itself from the engineering cluster system for the second consecutive year, announcing an independent undergraduate admission test for the 2025-2026 academic session. The university administration released the detailed prospectus on the official admission website, signaling the start of a fierce competition for 931 coveted seats.

The online application window, which opened on Monday (December 15) at 9:00 AM, sets the stage for a rigorous selection process culminating in the admission test on January 17, 2026.

This move to hold a separate entrance exam reinforces CUET’s commitment to maintaining autonomous academic standards, distinct from the cluster system that groups other engineering universities.

Critical Timeline: The Race to December 31

Aspirants have a limited window to submit their credentials. The application portal will close strictly on New Year’s Eve.

The “Top 16,000” Rule: The Pre-Selection Filter

Unlike open admissions, CUET employs a strict shortlisting mechanism. Not everyone who applies will sit for the exam. The university has capped the number of eligible examinees at the top 16,000 applicants based on their HSC/equivalent results.

How the Merit is Calculated: The shortlist is generated based on the total Grade Points (GP) obtained in four specific subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English.

The Tie-Breaker Protocol: If multiple candidates have the same total GP, the ranking is decided by the following hierarchy:

1. Total marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Math.
2. Total marks in Physics and Chemistry.
3. Marks in Physics alone.
4. Marks in Chemistry alone.

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Academic Eligibility: The Barrier to Entry

The academic threshold for CUET is stringent, reflecting its status as a premier engineering institution.

For Local Curriculum (HSC/Alim):

• Citizenship: Must be a Bangladeshi national.

• SSC/Equivalent: Passed in 2022 or 2023 with a minimum GPA of 4.00.

• HSC/Equivalent: Passed in 2025 from a Science background.

• Subject Requirements:

  • A minimum combined Grade Point of 14.00 in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

  • A minimum grade of ‘B’ in English.

  • Biomedical Engineering Note: Applicants targeting this department must have at least a GP of 4.00 in Biology.

For GCE (O/A Level) Candidates:

• O-Level: Must secure ‘A’ grades separately in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and English.

• A-Level: Must have passed in November 2024 or later. ‘A’ grades are mandatory in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Biomedical Note: A minimum ‘B’ grade in Biology at A-Level is required.

For Foreign/Expat Students: Candidates from foreign institutions must have at least 80% marks (or equivalent) in Math, Physics, Chem, and English at the HSC level, and 70% marks at the SSC level.

Exam Format and Mark Distribution

The admission test is divided into two categories: Group A (Engineering & Planning) and Group B (Architecture).

Group A (Engineering & Urban Planning)

• Format: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions).

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English.

• Total Marks: 500.

• Application Fee: 1,200 BDT.

Group B (Architecture)

• Format: MCQ + Freehand Drawing.

• Marks: 500 (MCQ) + 200 (Drawing) = 700 Marks.

• Application Fee: 1,400 BDT.

Exam Day Schedule (Jan 17, 2026):

• MCQ Exam: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

• Freehand Drawing: 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM.

Seat Capacity Breakdown

For the 2025-26 session, CUET has declared a total intake of 931 students.

• General Merit Seats: 920.

• Reserved Seats: 11 (Tribal/Quotas).

• Faculties: Civil Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), and Mechanical Engineering.

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Application Procedure

Candidates must fill out the application form via the official website (https://cuet.ac.bd) or the dedicated admission portal. The fee must be paid via mobile banking or the designated payment gateway mentioned in the circular.

Foreign Student Application: International students must follow specific guidelines available at https://cuet.ac.bd/fsc. Their applications must reach the university by April 15, 2026, routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.

With the deadline set for December 31, aspirants are advised to complete their applications early to avoid server congestion during the final hours.

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