Top 10 Best College in Dhaka 2026

Choosing a college after SSC is a defining step for any student in Dhaka, and it is rarely a simple decision. Dhaka has dozens of established HSC-level institutions, each with a different history, gender policy, academic focus, and admission process, so there is no single college that is automatically “best” for every student. What works well for one student may not work at all for another.

A Science student weighing lab access and a demanding syllabus has different priorities than a Business Studies student focused on accounting and commerce faculty, or a Humanities student who wants a broad, flexible subject range. Gender eligibility matters directly in Dhaka, since several of the city’s most searched-for colleges are boys-only or girls-only, while others are co-educational. Commute is a serious practical factor in a traffic-heavy city like Dhaka, where a college that looks ideal on paper can be a poor fit if it adds hours to a student’s day.

Government colleges generally follow standardized, government-set fees, while non-government and private colleges may differ from government institutions in class structure, fees, facilities, and institutional policies, so these factors should be checked individually rather than assumed from a college’s government or non-government status. Admission route is another factor that varies by institution: most colleges use the centralized XI Class Admission system, while some institutions have historically received session-specific permission to follow separate admission procedures, so the current route should always be verified before applying.

This guide looks at ten established, currently operating HSC-level institutions in Dhaka that regularly come up in college-admission searches, based on verifiable institutional history, official recognition, and publicly documented programs — not on marketing claims or unverifiable result statistics.

Quick Answer: There is no single official “best” college in Dhaka, but several long-established institutions are consistently searched for and referenced by HSC candidates, including Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, Holy Cross College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka Residential Model College, BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, Government Science College, and Dhaka Commerce College. Each has a different history, gender eligibility, and academic focus, so the right choice depends on a student’s group (Science, Business Studies, or Humanities), gender eligibility, admission route, commute, and eligibility under the relevant admission system for the current session.

Disclaimer:

This article is an independently prepared, editorial informational guide. It is not an official ranking of colleges in Dhaka, and no government body, education board, or ranking authority has certified this list. The order in which colleges appear below does not indicate that one is better than another; it is simply a presentation order. Inclusion of any institution in this list does not constitute an endorsement by Info Ghor, and exclusion of any other institution does not imply it is unsuitable.

Admission requirements, available HSC groups, admission routes, seat numbers, fees, and institutional policies change between academic sessions. Before applying, students and guardians must verify current information directly through the official XI Class Admission system and/or the relevant college’s own website or admission office. Because the 2026–27 admission cycle and institution-specific permissions may change during the publication period, every admission route in this article should be treated as provisional unless linked to a current official notice.

10 Established Colleges in Dhaka to Consider

The colleges below were selected using verifiable factors: how long they have operated, whether their institutional type and gender eligibility could be confirmed, their documented location and EIIN where available, and their public recognition as institutions offering HSC-level education in Dhaka. Where a specific detail — such as an exact HSC group, admission route for the current session, or facility — could not be confirmed from an official or reliable source, it has been left out or clearly flagged for readers to verify directly.

1. Notre Dame College, Dhaka

Notre Dame College (NDC) is a private, Catholic higher secondary and degree college in Motijheel, Dhaka, founded in 1949 by priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross under the name St. Gregory College and relocated to its present Motijheel site in 1954. Its EIIN is 108274. It is accredited by the Dhaka Education Board and affiliated with National University for degree-level study, and it admits male students only.

NDC offers Science, Business Studies, and Humanities at the HSC level; the Science group has both Bangla and English versions, while Humanities and Business Studies are offered in Bangla only. Notre Dame College has historically conducted a separate HSC admission process, but applicants must confirm its 2026–27 status from the college’s current admission notice and the official XI Class Admission instructions. Notre Dame College published an admission-related notice on 10 August 2026, but the current 2026–27 admission notice must be checked directly to confirm whether the process includes a written test, viva voce, or both.

Why students may consider it: its long institutional history, central Motijheel location, and offering of all three HSC groups with an English-version Science option.

What to verify before applying: the current-session admission notice on ndc.edu.bd, including whether the process includes a written test, a viva voce, or both, GPA eligibility by group, and the application window.

2. Dhaka College

Dhaka College is a government institution in New Market, Dhaka, and one of the oldest educational institutions in Bangladesh, tracing its origins to an English Seminary School founded in 1835 and formally established as a college on 20 November 1841. Its EIIN is 107977. It is a men’s college, offering HSC education as well as honours and master’s-level programs affiliated with National University.

Dhaka College offers Science, Business Studies, and Humanities at the HSC level. For 2026–27, applicants should follow the current online XI Class Admission instructions and the Dhaka College-specific information shown in the official admission system; older SMS/Teletalk instructions should not be treated as current unless explicitly stated in the current official notice.

Why students may consider it: its status as one of the country’s oldest higher-secondary institutions and its central New Market location.

What to verify before applying: current seat numbers, eligibility criteria, and the exact application channel for the relevant session.

3. Holy Cross College, Dhaka

Holy Cross College is a private, Catholic higher secondary institution for girls in Tejgaon, Dhaka, founded in 1950 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Its EIIN is 131962. It serves classes 11 and 12 only (the associated Holy Cross Girls’ High School is a separate institution for earlier grades), and it is one of the most referenced girls’ colleges in Dhaka.

Holy Cross College offers Science and Humanities at the HSC level; a Business Studies section has also been referenced in some secondary sources, but this was not independently confirmed for this guide and should be checked directly with the college. Holy Cross College’s 2026–27 admission route must be confirmed from a current Dhaka Education Board order and the college’s official admission notice; a separate admission process should not be assumed without session-specific confirmation.

Why students may consider it: its long history as a well-known girls’ institution and its central Tejgaon location.

What to verify before applying: current availability of Business Studies, the GPA-based eligibility for Science and Humanities, and the confirmed admission route for the relevant session.

4. Viqarunnisa Noon School & College

Viqarunnisa Noon School & College (VNSC) is an all-girls institution founded in 1952, with its main campus on Bailey Road, Dhaka, and additional campuses in Dhanmondi, Azimpur, and Bashundhara. Its EIIN is 108357. It is accredited by the Dhaka Education Board and serves students from primary level through HSC across its campuses.

VNSC offers Science, Humanities, and Business Studies at the HSC level. For 2026–27, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College applicants should follow the current online XI Class Admission instructions and the college’s official admission notice; older SMS instructions should not be treated as current without session-specific confirmation. Any priority for students already enrolled at VNSC should be stated only if it appears in the current 2026–27 official admission notice. Students should confirm current-session seat numbers and campus-specific availability directly with the college.

Why students may consider it: its long-established name recognition among girls’ colleges in Dhaka and its offering of all three HSC groups across multiple campuses.

What to verify before applying: which campus a given group and shift is offered on, and current eligibility and seat numbers for the relevant session.

5. RAJUK Uttara Model College

RAJUK Uttara Model College (RUMC) is a co-educational institution in Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka, established in 1994 by the Government of Bangladesh on land provided by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). Its EIIN is 108573. It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, affiliated with the Dhaka Education Board, and serves grades VI through XII, including the HSC level.

RUMC offers Science, Business Studies, and Humanities at the HSC level. For 2026–27, RAJUK Uttara Model College’s HSC admission route must be taken from the current XI Class Admission system or an official college/Dhaka Board notice; a separate written test or viva should not be stated unless that session-specific procedure is officially published. Students should confirm the current-session admission process, eligibility criteria, and test format directly with the college, since institution-specific procedures can change.

Why students may consider it: its co-educational admission, central Uttara location near the airport, and offering of all three HSC groups.

What to verify before applying: the current-session admission route, eligibility, and application window directly from the official XI Class Admission system or the college’s current notice.

6. Adamjee Cantonment College

Adamjee Cantonment College (ACC) is located in Dhaka Cantonment and was founded on 16 February 1960 by industrialist Gul Muhammad Adamjee. Its EIIN is 107855. It is managed by the Bangladesh Army under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education for HSC-level education, and is affiliated with National University for degree-level study. The college is co-educational.

ACC offers Science, Humanities, and Business Studies at the HSC level. Students should verify the current Bangla/English version availability for each group from the college’s 2026–27 admission notice. Adamjee Cantonment College is located in Dhaka Cantonment and is managed within the cantonment system; current eligibility, quota, and priority categories must be taken from the college’s 2026–27 admission notice. For 2026–27, applicants should follow the official XI Class Admission instructions and verify any cantonment-related category or priority directly from the current Adamjee Cantonment College notice.

Why students may consider it: its co-educational admission, Dhaka Cantonment location, and availability of Science, Humanities, and Business Studies at HSC level.

What to verify before applying: the current admission policy regarding priority for children of Army personnel versus general applicants, and current seat numbers by group.

7. Dhaka Residential Model College

Dhaka Residential Model College (DRMC) is an autonomous institution under the oversight of the Ministry of Education that operates as a boys’ residential school and college in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, established on 5 May 1960 under Field Marshal Ayub Khan and modeled in part on residential schools such as Eton College. Its EIIN is 108258. The college’s official website states that its present campus covers 52 acres and includes dormitories, and the college is affiliated with the Dhaka Education Board, serving grades 3 through 12, including HSC.

DRMC offers Science, Business Studies, and Humanities at the HSC level, in both Bangla and English mediums, with morning and day shifts. The DRMC official website states that admission to Grade 11 is determined by SSC GPA; applicants must verify the 2026–27 application and allocation procedure through the current official XI Class Admission instructions.

Why students may consider it: its residential/boarding structure, large campus, and offering of all three HSC groups in both mediums.

What to verify before applying: current boarding eligibility and cost, seat numbers by group and medium, and the current-session preference-list process under XI Class Admission.

8. BAF Shaheen College Dhaka

BAF Shaheen College Dhaka (BAFSD) is a co-educational institution in Dhaka Cantonment, established on 1 March 1960 and managed by the Bangladesh Air Force. Its EIIN is 107858. It serves grades KG through 12, including HSC, under the Dhaka Education Board. BAF Shaheen College Dhaka offers Science, Humanities and Business Studies at HSC level; its official information states that HSC Humanities is offered in Bangla, while Science and Business Studies are offered in Bangla and English versions.

For 2026–27, BAF Shaheen College Dhaka applicants should follow the official XI Class Admission system and the college’s current admission notice; older SMS/Teletalk instructions should not be treated as current without an official 2026–27 notice. Any admission priority or quota for children of Bangladesh Air Force personnel must be confirmed from the current 2026–27 admission notice.

Why students may consider it: its co-educational admission, Dhaka Cantonment location, and offering of all three HSC groups.

What to verify before applying: current seat numbers by group and shift, and whether any admission priority applies to children of Air Force personnel for the relevant session.

9. Government Science College

Government Science College (GSC), also known as Sarkari Biggan College, is a government institution in Tejgaon, Dhaka, established in 1954, originally as a Technical High School under the Colombo Plan and later upgraded to a college specializing in science education. Location and establishment year are documented on Wikipedia. Government Science College is a Science-focused institution; its current 2026–27 HSC group availability and gender eligibility should be confirmed from an official college, Dhaka Education Board, BANBEIS, or XI Class Admission record.

The 2026–27 admission route for Government Science College must be verified in the official XI Class Admission system and the current Dhaka Education Board or college notice.

Why students may consider it: its specialized focus on Science education as a government institution, relevant specifically to students who have already decided on the Science group.

What to verify before applying: the college’s EIIN and current HSC group availability from an official source, current Science-group seat numbers, and eligibility for the relevant session.

10. Dhaka Commerce College

Dhaka Commerce College is a non-government institution in Mirpur, Dhaka, established in 1989 and historically focused on Business Studies. Its EIIN is 108207. It is affiliated with National University for degree-level programs and offers instruction in both Bangla and English mediums. The current gender eligibility of Dhaka Commerce College should be verified from the official 2026–27 college record or admission notice.

At the HSC level, DCC offers Business Studies, its original specialization since founding, and has offered Science since the 2019-20 academic session; Humanities was not documented as an HSC offering for this guide and should be confirmed directly if relevant. Dhaka Commerce College has operated an online XI admission portal, but its 2026–27 admission route must be confirmed from the current college notice and the official XI Class Admission system; historical SMS/Teletalk instructions should not be presented as current.

Why students may consider it: its specialization in commerce education since 1989 and its more recently added Science option.

What to verify before applying: current availability and seat numbers for Science, and whether Humanities is offered for the relevant session.

Colleges in Dhaka at a Glance

The order of this table follows the same presentation order as the list above and is editorial, not a ranking. It does not indicate that any single college is superior to another. Where “not independently confirmed” or “verify” appears, it means the detail could not be reliably confirmed at the time of writing — students should confirm directly with the college or through the current XI Class Admission circular.

Government vs Non-Government College in Dhaka

Government colleges in Dhaka, such as Dhaka College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and Government Science College, are state-funded and generally follow government-set fee structures. Autonomous institutions such as RAJUK Uttara Model College and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka are established or managed by a government body or armed service but operate with their own administrative structure. Non-government colleges, including private institutions like Notre Dame College, Holy Cross College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, and Dhaka Commerce College, set their own fee structures, which are generally different from government colleges.

Neither category is universally better. Differences in fees, class structure, facilities, institutional policies, discipline, and learning environment vary by individual institution rather than by government or non-government status alone. The right choice depends on a student’s academic goals, gender eligibility, budget, and admission route, based on information verified directly from each college.

Which College Is Suitable for Science Students in Dhaka?

Science students preparing for HSC should look closely at practical factors: laboratory access, class size, teacher availability, and commute time to and from any coaching center attended alongside college classes. The available official material confirms Science at several colleges in this guide, but current 2026–27 Science-group availability should be checked individually in the relevant official college or XI Class Admission record where current-session confirmation is unavailable. Government Science College is a Science-focused institution, which may suit students who have already committed to the Science group. Students should confirm current Science-group seat availability and eligibility directly with the college of interest.

Which College Is Suitable for Business Studies Students in Dhaka?

Business Studies students benefit from strong accounting, economics, and management instruction. Dhaka Commerce College stands out structurally in this regard, since it was founded specifically to specialize in Business Studies. Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka have also been documented as offering Business Studies alongside Science and Humanities, though current 2026–27 availability should be confirmed individually where session-specific confirmation is unavailable. Holy Cross College’s Business Studies availability was not independently confirmed for this guide and should be checked directly. As with Science, the right choice depends on commute, gender eligibility, fee comfort, and the student’s own preference for a specialized versus general college environment.

Which College Is Suitable for Humanities Students in Dhaka?

Humanities remains an important group for students aiming at law, mass communication, social sciences, public administration, or general degree programs at university level. Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, Holy Cross College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka have been documented as offering Humanities, though current 2026–27 availability should be confirmed individually where session-specific confirmation is unavailable. Government Science College and Dhaka Commerce College do not offer Humanities, based on the information verified for this guide. Confirm current subject combinations and seat numbers directly with each college before applying.

College Options for Boys in Dhaka

Among the colleges covered in this guide, Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, and Dhaka Residential Model College are documented boys-only institutions. Adamjee Cantonment College and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka are co-educational and admit boys alongside girls, as does RAJUK Uttara Model College. Gender eligibility for Government Science College and Dhaka Commerce College should be verified from the current official 2026–27 record.

College Options for Girls in Dhaka

Holy Cross College and Viqarunnisa Noon School & College are documented girls-only institutions among the colleges covered in this guide. Adamjee Cantonment College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka are co-educational and admit girls alongside boys. Gender eligibility should never be assumed from an institution’s name alone; students and guardians should confirm it directly with the college, particularly for colleges not listed here, since this guide covers only ten selected institutions rather than a complete citywide inventory.

How to Choose the Right College in Dhaka

1. Intended HSC group: Confirm the college actually offers the group (Science, Business Studies, or Humanities) you intend to study, with current seat numbers for that group.
2. Current admission eligibility: Check the GPA and subject-based eligibility criteria published for the current admission session.
3. Admission route: Confirm the college’s current admission route through the official XI Class Admission system and the institution’s latest notice, since some colleges have historically received session-specific permission to follow separate admission procedures.
4. Gender eligibility: Confirm whether the college is boys-only, girls-only, or co-educational before applying.
5. Location: Note the exact campus address, especially for institutions with multiple campuses.
6. Daily commute: Estimate realistic daily travel time, especially if the student will also attend coaching classes. Students comparing additional academic support can also explore Info Ghor’s guide to the best coaching center in Dhaka when planning a practical college-and-coaching commute.
7. Fees: Compare government, autonomous, and non-government fee structures and any additional costs.
8. Class environment: Consider class sizes, teacher engagement, and discipline policies.
9. Facilities: Verify library, laboratory, and other facilities directly with the college rather than relying on unverified claims.
10. Extracurricular opportunities: Sports, cadet corps, debate, cultural clubs, and similar activities can contribute to personal development, communication skills, teamwork, and the overall college experience.
11. Personal preference: A student who feels comfortable and motivated in a particular environment is likely to perform better than one placed somewhere that looks better “on paper” but is a poor personal fit.

How HSC College Admission Works in Dhaka

Most HSC-level admission in Dhaka is coordinated through the government’s XI Class Admission (একাদশ শ্রেণির ভর্তি) online system. In general terms, after SSC results are published, eligible students create an online application, list their preferred colleges and groups in order of preference, and the system allocates seats based on merit (SSC GPA and, where applicable, individual subject grades), college and group capacity, and the student’s preference order. Migration to a higher-preference college may be possible if a seat becomes available, subject to the rules published for that admission cycle.

A small number of well-known colleges in Dhaka have historically been permitted to conduct their own separate admission procedures in addition to or instead of the centralized system, generally on a session-by-session basis. For the 2026–27 session, applicants should use the official XI Class Admission system for colleges listed there, while separately checking whether any institution has received session-specific permission to conduct an independent process. Institution-specific admission permissions can change between sessions, so a previous year’s process should not be assumed to still apply.

Exact dates, GPA cutoffs, application fees, and specific procedural steps change from year to year and are published fresh each admission cycle by the Ministry of Education and by individual colleges permitted to run their own process. This guide does not state specific figures for a future cycle, since these details should always be confirmed from the live, official notice for that specific session rather than from an article that may be read months or years after publication.

For a broader view of well-known colleges across the country, readers may also find top colleges in Bangladesh a useful starting point.

What to Check Before Applying

• Official, full name of the college (avoid confusion between similarly named institutions)
• EIIN, to confirm you are researching the correct, officially recognized institution
• Available HSC group(s) for the current session
• Gender eligibility (boys-only, girls-only, or co-educational)
• Current admission route (centralized XI Class Admission or the college’s own process)
• The current admission notice for that college
• Eligibility criteria (GPA, subject grades) published for the current cycle
• Shift or version (morning/day; Bangla or English version), if applicable
• Exact location and realistic commute time
• Fee structure, including any additional costs beyond tuition
• Required documents for application and enrollment
• Application and confirmation deadlines for the current admission cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best college in Dhaka?

There is no single official “best” college in Dhaka. Several long-established institutions — including Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, and others covered in this guide — are widely searched for and referenced, but the right choice depends on a student’s group, gender eligibility, admission route, budget, and commute.

Which are the top government colleges in Dhaka?

Government and autonomous institutions frequently referenced by HSC candidates in Dhaka include Dhaka College, Dhaka Residential Model College, Government Science College, Adamjee Cantonment College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka. This is an editorial selection, not an official government ranking.

Which college is good for Science in Dhaka?

Science has been documented at several colleges covered in this guide, including Government Science College, which is a Science-focused institution. Current 2026–27 Science-group availability should be confirmed directly with each college or through the official XI Class Admission record where session-specific confirmation is unavailable.

Which college is good for Business Studies in Dhaka?

Dhaka Commerce College specializes specifically in Business Studies. Several other colleges on this list, including Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, have also been documented as offering Business Studies, though current 2026–27 availability should be confirmed directly with each college.

Which college is good for Humanities in Dhaka?

Humanities has been documented at most colleges covered in this guide, including Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, Holy Cross College, Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, though current 2026–27 availability should be confirmed directly with each college. Government Science College and Dhaka Commerce College do not offer Humanities based on the information verified for this guide.

What are some college options for boys in Dhaka?

Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, and Dhaka Residential Model College are documented boys-only institutions among the colleges covered in this guide. Adamjee Cantonment College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka are co-educational and also admit boys.

What are some college options for girls in Dhaka?

Holy Cross College and Viqarunnisa Noon School & College are documented girls-only institutions among the colleges covered in this guide. Adamjee Cantonment College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, and BAF Shaheen College Dhaka are co-educational and also admit girls.

How can I apply for college admission in Dhaka?

Most colleges in Dhaka process HSC admission through the government’s official XI Class Admission online system after SSC results are published. Applicants list preferred colleges and groups in order of preference, and seats are allocated based on merit, capacity, and preference order. A small number of colleges have historically been permitted to conduct separate admission procedures in some sessions. Students should confirm whether any specific college has received such permission for 2026–27 from the current college notice, Dhaka Education Board, and official XI Class Admission instructions.

What GPA is required for college admission in Dhaka?

GPA requirements vary by college, by HSC group, and by admission cycle, and are published fresh each year through the official XI Class Admission system or the individual college’s own admission notice. This guide does not state a fixed GPA figure, since any number quoted here could quickly become outdated; always check the current official circular.

Do all colleges in Dhaka use the XI Class Admission system?

No. Most colleges in Dhaka use the centralized XI Class Admission system, while some institutions have historically received session-specific permission to follow separate admission procedures. Students should verify the 2026–27 admission route for each college from the current official XI Class Admission instructions, Dhaka Education Board notices, and the institution’s own admission notice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a college in Dhaka is not about finding a single objectively “best” name — it is about matching a student’s intended HSC group, gender eligibility, admission route, and personal circumstances to an institution that can realistically support them. A boys-only or girls-only college may be the right fit for one student, while a co-educational institution may suit another; a government college’s standardized fees may matter more to one family than a private college’s specific academic focus does to another. Commute, admission route, and affordability all deserve as much weight as reputation.

Whatever shortlist a student and their guardians settle on, the final step should always be direct verification: checking the current HSC groups, gender eligibility, admission route, eligibility criteria, and application timeline through the official XI Class Admission system or the individual college’s own channels, rather than relying solely on any single article, including this one.

Editorial Note

This article was independently prepared by Info Ghor. It is not sponsored by, and has no paid relationship with, any college named in it. It does not represent an official ranking, and inclusion of any institution does not constitute an endorsement. Factual details — including establishment years, locations, and EIIN numbers — were reviewed against official college sources, Bangladesh government education-sector references, and other reliable secondary sources available at the time of writing. Admission requirements, HSC groups, admission routes, fees, and other policies can and do change between academic sessions; readers should always verify current information directly with the relevant institution or through the official XI Class Admission system before making any decision.

Last Updated: August 2026