Although private universities play an important role in Bangladesh’s higher education system, not all institutions are of the same standard.According to the latest data from the UGC for 2025, out of the 108 private universities in the country, 14 institutions have been classified as Category C, which is severely lagging behind in terms of academic quality, research facilities, and graduate employability.In this artical, we will present the real picture of C category universities, UGC’s warnings, and comparative analysis with A/B categories, so that students can make the right decision.
What is a Category C private university?
Private universities in Bangladesh are divided into three categories—A, B, and C. Here, Category C refers to universities that are relatively weak in terms of quality of education, infrastructure, research facilities, and the acceptability of graduates in the job market.These universities fail to meet the minimum conditions set by the UGC or the government.
Features of Category C Private Universities:
1.Weak academic standards and recognition:
- Running some programs that are not approved by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh or professional bodies (e.g.: Institution of Engineers, BM&DC).
2.Insufficient research and infrastructure:
- According to the 2025 UGC report, 80% of Category C universities have a research budget below Rs 5 lakh (average Rs 50 lakh+ in Category A).
- 60% of universities do not have permanent campuses, operating in rented buildings
3.Low Placement Rate:
- According to a 2024-25 survey (Bangladesh Employers Association), only 15-20% of Category C graduates can join private sector jobs permanently (70%+ in Category A).
4.Student-teacher ratio:
- UGC data for 2025 says that in Category C it is 1:40 (1 teacher for 40 students), while in Category A it is 1:20.
C-Category Private Universities in Bangladesh
| University Name | Location | UGC Rating (2025) | Annual Research Budget | Graduate Employment Rate | Major Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
State University of Bangladesh (SUB) |
Dhaka |
1.8/5 (Very Poor) |
৳3-5 Lakh
|
15-20%
|
Fake degrees, weak faculty
|
|
Premier University |
Chittagong |
2.0/5 |
৳5-7 Lakh |
20-25% |
No permanent campus
|
|
University of South Asia (USA) |
Dhaka |
1.5/5 (Lowest) |
৳2-4 Lakh |
10-15% |
UGC warning issued |
|
City University |
Dhaka |
2.1/5 |
৳6-8 Lakh |
25-30% |
Poor lab facilities |
|
Peoples University of Bangladesh |
Dhaka |
1.9/5 |
৳4-6 Lakh |
18-22% |
Faculty shortage |
|
Northern University Bangladesh (NUB) |
Dhaka |
1.8/5 |
৳4 – 6 Lakh |
15-20%
|
Temporary campus, outdated infrastructure |
|
Metropolitan University |
Sylhet |
1.6/5 |
৳3-4 Lakh |
13-17% |
Unpaid faculty salaries |
|
Standard University |
Dhaka |
1.4/5 |
৳1-3 Lakh |
8-12% |
Admission suspended by UGC (2025) |
|
Asian Women’s University |
Dhaka |
1.7/5 |
৳3-4 Lakh |
15-18% |
Gender discrimination complaints |
|
Technical University Bangladesh |
Dhaka |
1.5/5
|
৳2-3 Lakh |
10-14% |
Engineering programs lack accreditation
|
UGC Ratings and Warnings: Universities accused of irregularities in 2025
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh evaluates the academic quality, infrastructure, and administrative transparency of private universities every year.According to the latest report from 2025, allegations of fake degrees, illegal fee collection, and irregularities have been found against some universities. Detailed information is given below:
| Type of complaint | UGC Rating (2025) | Punitive measures |
|---|---|---|
|
1.8/5 (low) |
Temporary recognition suspended |
|
1.5/5 (Very low) |
New admissions are prohibited
|
|
2.0/5
|
Penalties and warnings
|
|
1.9/5 |
Board of Directors ordered to investigate |
|
2.1/5 |
Formation of UGC Monitoring Team |
Important statistics
- Number of Complaints: In 2025, 237 complaints were submitted to the UGC, out of which 12 universities are under investigation.
- Areas of most complaints: 56% fake degrees, 30% fee irregularities, 14% research fraud.
- Punishment: A recent investigation by the UGC has uncovered irregularities in several private universities, resulting in the temporary closure of three institutions. Five more universities will also face financial penalties, the authorities said.
Category C vs. Category A/B: Complete Comparative Analysis
There are significant differences between categories A, B and C of private universities in Bangladesh. Below is a comparison of tuition fees, facilities, and placement rates:
1. Comparison of tuition fees and costs
| Subject | Category C | Category B | Category A |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester fee |
20,000 – 30,000 Taka |
40,000 – 60,000 Taka |
80,000 – 1,20,000+ Taka
|
|
Admission fee |
5,000 – 10,000 Taka |
15,000 – 30,000 Tak |
30,000 – 50,000+ Taka |
|
Lab/Library Fees |
Additional fees are not applicable |
2,000 – 5,000 Taka/semester
|
5,000 – 10,000 Taka/semester |
|
Total cost (4 years) |
3-5 lakh taka |
6-10 lakh taka |
12-20 lakh taka |
2. Comparison of facilities
| Subject | Category C | Category B | Category A |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Campus |
Rented building, small campus |
Own campus (medium) |
Modern and permanent campus |
|
Lab facilities |
Insufficient (old device) |
There are basic benefits |
Hi-Tech Lab (AI, Robotics) |
|
Library |
Limited books and journals
|
Good collection |
Digital library + online database |
|
Teacher-student ratio |
1:40+ |
1:30 |
1:20 (or less) |
|
Internship |
10-15% of students get |
30-40% of students get |
70-80% of students get |
|
International linkages |
No |
Some are in universities |
Strong collaborations (e.g. NSU, BRAC) |
3.Placement rate and job market acceptance
| Subject | Category C | Category B | Category A |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Employability Rate |
15-25% |
40-50%
|
70-85%
|
|
Average starting salary (B.Sc)
|
15,000 – 20,000 Taka
|
25,000 – 35,000 Taka
|
40,000 – 60,000+ Taka
|
|
Placement in top companies |
Very low (local farm)
|
Mid-level company
|
Monsys (GP, Unilev, Vikas)
|
|
Higher education opportunities
|
Limited (less chance in public universities)
|
good opportunity
|
Opportunities with scholarships abroad
|
Conclusion
If you want to get admitted to a private university in Bangladesh, you will choose category A, B or C – it will depend on your financial situation, career goals and the type of education you want.