Dhaka University would not arrange admission tests for "Gha" and "Cha" units under social science and fine arts faculties from the next academic year, decided the university's Deans' Committee primarily.
This is their initial approach towards conducting admission tests in three units instead of five. However, candidates would have to attend admission tests in five units in the current academic year (2020-2021).
Prof Akhtaruzzaman, vice-chancellor of the university, proposed to shut "Gha" and "Cha" units and hold admission test under three units in the light of the three streams (science, humanities and business studies).
The Deans' Committee, in one of its meetings, discussed the pros and cons of this proposal. Most of the deans there voted in favor of the proposal.
The decision, however, will be finalised once it is approved by the university's academic council.
Prof Sadeka Halim, acting dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, said she did not think the decision was logical.
"The vice-chancellor proposed to close Gha unit to reduce the number of examinations."
She said, "The Faculty of Social Sciences has its uniqueness. Students from 16 departments of this faculty are going to various sectors in government and private sectors and are doing well.
"In my opinion, there should be a separate unit for our faculty [social sciences]. If you can't do that, you have to create admission test units in the name of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. It will certainly be discussed at the Academic Council."
Contacted, Prof Akhtaruzzaman said admission tests of Dhaka University would be taken in three units from 2021-22 academic year considering the three streams students study at Higher Secondary level.
The tests will be taken under three units instead of five units.
"It would reduce the pressure of holding tests. However, in the current academic year (2020-21), the examination will be held as per the previous rules," he added.
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