National University Admission 2024-25: Merit List Released – What You Need to Know
Dhaka, June 5, 2026 – The National University (NU) has officially published the merit list for the 2024-25 admission session, bringing relief and excitement to thousands of HSC graduates across Bangladesh. With over 2.5 million students competing for seats in affiliated colleges, this year’s admission process has been highly competitive. If you’re one of the applicants, here’s everything you need to know about the merit list, next steps, and important deadlines.
According to the latest update from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the merit list was published on December 21, 2025, following the completion of the online application process. Students who applied for honors programs in NU-affiliated colleges can now check their results and prepare for the next phase of admission.
How to Check Your Merit List Position
The National University has made it easy for students to check their merit list status through multiple channels. Here’s how you can access your results:
- Online Method:
- Visit the official NU admission portal: http://app1.nu.edu.bd
- Enter your HSC roll number, registration number, and board name
- Click on “Merit List” to view your position
- SMS Method:
- Type NU [space] MERIT [space] HSC Roll Number and send it to 16222
- Example: NU MERIT 1234567890
- You will receive an SMS with your merit position and college allocation
Pro Tip: If you don’t see your name on the first merit list, don’t panic! The National University will release multiple merit lists and a waiting list in the coming weeks. Keep checking the official portal for updates.
Key Dates and Deadlines for NU Admission 2024-25
The National University has outlined a strict timeline for the admission process. Missing any of these deadlines could cost you your seat, so mark your calendar now:
- First Merit List Publication: December 21, 2025
- Admission Confirmation (First Merit List): December 22–28, 2025
- Second Merit List Publication: January 5, 2026
- Admission Confirmation (Second Merit List): January 6–12, 2026
- Third Merit List (if applicable): January 15, 2026
- Final Admission Deadline: January 20, 2026
- Class Commencement: February 1, 2026 (tentative)
Important Note: Students who fail to confirm their admission within the given timeframe will lose their seats, and the next candidate on the waiting list will be considered.
Eligibility and GPA Requirements for NU Admission
The National University has set specific GPA cutoffs for admission to its honors programs. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Minimum HSC GPA: 2.50 (for most programs)
- Minimum SSC GPA: 2.50
- Combined GPA (SSC + HSC): 6.00 (varies by program and college)
- Science Programs: Some colleges require a minimum GPA of 3.00 in both SSC and HSC
- Quota Students: Separate merit lists are prepared for freedom fighters’ children, tribal students, and physically challenged candidates
Program-Specific Requirements:
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): Minimum combined GPA of 6.50
- Engineering & Technology: Minimum GPA of 3.50 in HSC (Science group)
- Medical & Health Sciences: Minimum GPA of 4.00 in HSC (Science group)
If you don’t meet the GPA requirements for your desired program, consider applying for a different subject or college with lower cutoffs.
Seat Breakdown and College Allocation
The National University offers honors programs in over 2,200 affiliated colleges across Bangladesh. Here’s a breakdown of the seat distribution for the 2024-25 session:
- Total Seats Available: Approximately 450,000 (across all programs)
- Most Competitive Programs:
- BBA (Business Administration)
- LLB (Law)
- Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
- Pharmacy
- English Literature
- Popular Colleges with High Demand:
- Dhaka College
- Eden Mohila College
- Notre Dame College
- Rajshahi College
- Chittagong College
How College Allocation Works:
- Students are ranked based on their combined GPA (SSC + HSC).
- The merit list is prepared according to program and college preferences selected during the application.
- If you’re not selected in your first-choice college, you may be allocated to your second or third preference.
- Students who don’t get any allocation in the first merit list can wait for the second or third lists.
What to Do After Checking Your Merit List Position
If you’ve secured a position on the merit list, congratulations! Here’s what you need to do next:
- Confirm Your Admission:
- Log in to the NU admission portal and confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.
- The fee is BDT 5,000–7,000 (varies by college and program).
- Payment can be made via mobile banking (bKash, Nagad, Rocket) or bank deposit.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Original and photocopies of SSC and HSC mark sheets
- Passport-sized photographs (4 copies)
- National ID or Birth Certificate
- Quota certificate (if applicable)
- Attend the Orientation Program:
- Most colleges hold an orientation session before classes begin.
- Check your college’s notice board or website for details.
For Students on the Waiting List:
- Keep checking the NU admission portal for updates on the second and third merit lists.
- If you’re called from the waiting list, you’ll have a short window to confirm your admission.
- Prepare your documents in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Comparing NU Admission with Other University Admissions
While the National University is a popular choice for many students, it’s worth comparing it with other top universities in Bangladesh:
| University | Admission Process | GPA Requirements | Exam Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka University (DU) | Written + MCQ exam (Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha units) | Minimum GPA 8.00 (combined SSC + HSC) | Negative marking (-0.25 per wrong answer) |
| BUET | Written exam (Math, Physics, Chemistry) | Minimum GPA 4.00 in HSC (Science) | No negative marking |
| KUET/RUET/CUET | Written exam (Math, Physics, Chemistry, English) | Minimum GPA 4.00 in HSC (Science) | Negative marking (-0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Jahangirnagar University (JnU) | Written + MCQ exam (A, B, C, D units) | Minimum GPA 7.00 (combined SSC + HSC) | Negative marking (-0.20 per wrong answer) |
| National University (NU) | Merit-based (no exam, GPA-only) | Minimum GPA 6.00 (combined SSC + HSC) | No exam, no negative marking |
If you’re aiming for engineering or medical programs, universities like BUET, KUET, RUET, CUET, or medical colleges might be better options. However, if you prefer a merit-based, exam-free admission process, NU is a great choice.
Final Tips for NU Admission Success
Here are some last-minute tips to ensure a smooth admission process:
- Double-Check Your Details: Ensure your SSC and HSC roll numbers, registration numbers, and board names are correct when checking the merit list.
- Prepare Documents Early: Gather all required documents (mark sheets, photos, ID) to avoid delays during admission confirmation.
- Follow Official Sources: Only trust updates from the National University’s official website or verified news outlets like Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, or BSS.
- Have a Backup Plan: If you don’t get into your desired college or program, consider alternative options like private universities or diploma courses.
- Stay Calm and Positive: The admission process can be stressful, but remember that there are always opportunities to improve and try again next year.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
The National University admission 2024-25 merit list is now out, and thousands of students are one step closer to starting their higher education journey. If you’ve secured a position, confirm your admission immediately to secure your seat. If you’re on the waiting list, stay hopeful and keep checking for updates.
For those who didn’t make it this time, don’t lose heart. Consider reapplying next year, exploring private universities, or enrolling in skill-based courses to enhance your qualifications.
Need more help? Visit our blog for detailed guides on university admissions in Bangladesh, including DU, BUET, KUET, and medical college admission tips. Bookmark our page and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates!
Good luck, and congratulations to all the successful candidates!