From the next academic year, all public universities have to enrol students through a single admission test and the government will set up a separate authority to hold that exam.

The education ministry and the University Grants Commission said such a single test will reduce the hassle of admission seekers and cut time and cost.

The schedule of the entry test will be declared immediately after the completion of the HSC examination. And classes of all universities will begin at the same time, said officials.

The UGC at its office yesterday held a meeting on forming a separate body titled National Testing Authority (NTA). Education Minister Dipu Moni attended the meeting as the chief guest.

It was decided that a high-powered committee under the leadership of UGC Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah will be formed soon to work out how to initiate an acceptable admission process, UGC member Prof Muhammed Alamgir told this newspaper.

He also said the committee will be comprised of representatives from these universities.

Dipu Moni, while talking to reporters after the meeting, said the decision of a single entrance test has been taken in the interest of students and parents.

There will be a discussion with university deans and the examination committees regarding the new system. It will be ensured that the single test will be inclusive and will not hurt the uniqueness and autonomy of a university, she added.

Currently, 22 general, science and other public universities hold a "central admission test" under a cluster. Besides, seven agriculture and three engineering and technology universities hold tests in two different clusters.

Nine universities -- including Dhaka University, Buet, Jahangirnagar University and Chittagong University -- are still out of the cluster system.

Asked whether Dhaka University, Buet, Jahangirnagar University and Chittagong University will be part of the new system, Alamgir said, "We are hopeful that they will join it."

Dhaka University Pro VC Prof ASM Maksud Kamal told this newspaper that at the meeting, he said they would be able to take a final decision on joining the single test only after discussions at the DU academic council and other decision-making bodies.

"If the classes of all higher education institutions start at the same time, it will be a help for students," he also said.

At the meeting, UGC member Prof Dil Afroza Begum made a presentation on the single test method.

According to it, applicants will have the opportunity to migrate to their subject or university of choice only once. But for this, they have to complete the process within five days after the admission process is completed.

Teachers and other individuals involved in the entry test will receive an honorarium through the sale of application forms.

It's possible to start classes within a month after the admission completes, said the member in her presentation.