Bangladesh has become a highly preferred destination for international students, especially from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries, who aspire to pursue MBBS at an affordable cost with quality education. The country is home to many reputed government and private medical colleges that are recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), National Medical Commission (NMC), and others.
However, when it comes to eligibility for MBBS admission in Bangladesh, one of the most common questions raised by students and parents is about the accepted academic formats. Two of the most recognized educational qualifications are the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Advanced Level (A-Level). Both are widely accepted in Bangladesh for MBBS admission, but there are certain differences in requirements, grading systems, and recognition criteria.
HSC, or Higher Secondary Certificate, is the common education format in South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. It is equivalent to Class 12/Intermediate level education. In Bangladesh, HSC is awarded after completing two years of higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12).
Key points about HSC:
Covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English.
Grading system is based on GPA (Grade Point Average) out of 5.0 in Bangladesh.
Minimum GPA requirement for MBBS admission in Bangladesh usually ranges between 7.0 to 8.0 combined GPA in SSC and HSC (with Biology as a compulsory subject).
A-Level, or Advanced Level, is part of the British curriculum offered in many countries worldwide. It is usually studied after completing O-Levels (equivalent to Class 10).
Key points about A-Level:
A-Level is internationally recognized and accepted in Bangladesh medical colleges.
Students must complete A-Level with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to be eligible for MBBS.
Grading system ranges from A* to E.
For MBBS in Bangladesh, students are generally required to have at least C grade or above in Biology and an overall equivalent to the Bangladeshi HSC standard.
To secure admission into MBBS in Bangladesh (government or private medical colleges), students must meet the following conditions:
For HSC candidates:
SSC/10th equivalent GPA: Minimum 3.5.
HSC/12th equivalent GPA: Minimum 3.5.
Combined GPA (SSC + HSC): Minimum 7.0.
Biology subject: Minimum GPA of 3.5 (or 60% marks).
For A-Level candidates:
O-Level: Minimum 5 subjects.
A-Level: Minimum 3 subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology mandatory).
Must secure at least “C” grade in each required subject.
Equivalence certificate required from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh.
| Criteria | HSC | A-Level |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South Asian (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, etc.) | British education system (internationally recognized) |
| Duration | 2 years (Class 11 & 12) | 2 years (after O-Level) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English (mandatory) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (mandatory), others optional |
| Grading | GPA out of 5 | Letter grades A* to E |
| MBBS Requirement | Minimum GPA 7 (SSC + HSC) | Minimum C grade in PCB |
| Equivalence | Directly accepted | Requires equivalence certificate from DGHS |
For A-Level students, applying for MBBS in Bangladesh requires an equivalence certificate issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This certificate ensures that A-Level qualifications are equivalent to the HSC standard in Bangladesh.
Documents generally required for equivalence:
O-Level and A-Level transcripts and certificates.
Passport copy.
Application form for equivalence.
Attested copies by the respective education board.
Direct acceptance in Bangladeshi medical colleges.
No additional equivalence process required.
Familiar grading system aligned with Bangladesh.
Competitive fees and quotas available for SAARC students.
Internationally recognized qualification.
Flexibility in choosing subjects.
Global exposure and higher acceptance abroad.
Eligibility for direct equivalence with HSC in Bangladesh.
Need to maintain higher GPA in both SSC and HSC.
Strict cut-off requirements for Biology.
Limited flexibility compared to A-Levels.
Need to obtain equivalence certificate from DGHS.
Must ensure proper grading in core subjects (PCB).
Additional documentation compared to HSC students.
For South Asian students (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka): HSC is more convenient due to easier acceptance.
For international students (Middle East, Africa, Europe): A-Level is widely recognized and can be easily matched with HSC equivalence.
Both are equally valued as long as the student meets the minimum requirements set by the DGHS and the medical colleges.
Q1: Is HSC qualification directly accepted in Bangladesh for MBBS?
Yes, HSC qualifications are directly accepted in Bangladesh for MBBS without requiring equivalence.
Q2: Do A-Level students need an equivalence certificate for MBBS in Bangladesh?
Yes, A-Level students must obtain an equivalence certificate from DGHS, Bangladesh.
Q3: What is the minimum GPA required for HSC students?
A combined GPA of 7.0 in SSC and HSC is required, with Biology GPA not less than 3.5.
Q4: What subjects are compulsory for A-Level students?
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are compulsory subjects for MBBS admission.
Q5: Can O-Level results alone qualify a student for MBBS in Bangladesh?
No, both O-Level and A-Level qualifications are needed.
Q6: What is the minimum grade required in A-Level Biology?
At least “C” grade in Biology is mandatory.
Q7: Do HSC students from India need an equivalence certificate?
No, HSC students from India are accepted directly based on their board results.
Q8: Are A-Level students eligible for SAARC quota in Bangladesh?
Yes, if they are from a SAARC country and meet the eligibility.
Q9: Can A-Level students with D grade apply for MBBS in Bangladesh?
No, the minimum requirement is a C grade in core subjects.
Q10: How long does it take to get an equivalence certificate in Bangladesh?
It usually takes a few weeks after submitting the required documents.
Q11: What is the GPA equivalent of A-Level C grade in Bangladesh?
C grade is usually considered equivalent to GPA 3.5 or around 60%.
Q12: Is English proficiency mandatory for both HSC and A-Level students?
Yes, English is a required subject for both formats.
Q13: Do medical colleges in Bangladesh prefer HSC over A-Level?
No, both are equally accepted as long as eligibility criteria are met.
Q14: Can A-Level students apply directly without equivalence?
No, equivalence is compulsory for A-Level candidates.
Q15: Is Biology compulsory for both HSC and A-Level students?
Yes, Biology is a mandatory subject in both cases.
Q16: Can HSC students apply with Biology marks below 60%?
No, students must have at least 60% marks in Biology.
Q17: Do private medical colleges in Bangladesh follow the same rules for A-Level students?
Yes, private colleges also require equivalence for A-Level candidates.
Q18: Are there additional exams for A-Level students in Bangladesh?
No additional exams are required if equivalence is approved.
Q19: Can A-Level students apply for both government and private MBBS seats in Bangladesh?
Yes, they are eligible for both categories.
Q20: Which is easier, HSC or A-Level, for MBBS admission in Bangladesh?
HSC is easier in terms of documentation, while A-Level provides global flexibility.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English