Cambridge exam entries in BD

Demand for Cambridge qualifications in Bangladesh continues to rise, with schools recording 43,670 entries across Cambridge programmes for the June 2026 examination series, an 8% increase from June last year.

The growth was driven by both Cambridge International AS & A Level and Cambridge IGCSE and O Level programmes, according to Cambridge International Education, which began releasing results for the June 2026 series worldwide on Tuesday. The number of Cambridge International AS & A Level entries in Bangladesh increased 5% year on year to 18,132, while IGCSE and O Level entries rose 10% to 25,528. A total of 11,937 students from 90 active schools in Bangladesh took part in the examinations.

The figures indicate growing interest among Bangladeshi students and parents in internationally recognised qualifications that combine academic knowledge with skills considered increasingly important for higher education and future employment. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science and Business were the five most popular Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects among Bangladeshi students. English-related subjects also remained highly popular, particularly at the IGCSE and O Level levels.

The most popular Cambridge IGCSE subjects were Mathematics without Coursework, Information and Communication Technology, Business Studies, Literature in English and First Language English. At O Level, the leading subjects were English Language, Mathematics Syllabus D, Computer Science, Physics and Chemistry.

Sarwat Reza, Cambridge Country Lead for Bangladesh, said the popularity of English-related subjects alongside science, technology and business disciplines was one of the most notable trends in this year's entries.

“Students increasingly recognise that success in higher education and the global economy depends not only on technical expertise but also on strong communication skills,” he said.

According to Reza, the continued strength of STEM and business subjects also reflects the ambitions of Bangladeshi learners to contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. “Together, these choices show a generation preparing confidently for the future,” he said.

The increase in Bangladesh mirrors a broader global rise in demand for Cambridge qualifications. Worldwide, almost 368,000 students in 3,492 schools across 128 countries received Cambridge International AS & A Level results on Tuesday, with more than 737,000 entries recorded, 5% higher than in June 2025. Cambridge Group Managing Director for International Education Rod Smith said the continued growth reflected students' recognition of the value of combining deep subject knowledge with skills required by universities and employers.He also pointed to the growing importance of such skills as artificial intelligence reshapes education and the workplace.

The latest figures also highlight the growing emphasis on English proficiency. Cambridge said English Language, First Language English and Literature in English are among the most popular subjects in Bangladesh, alongside STEM and business disciplines.

Cambridge has recently announced formal entity operations in Bangladesh, signalling a long-term commitment to supporting learners, teachers and schools in the country. Dedicated local teams are expected to work with educational institutions and the wider education community to provide support and resources suited to the local context.

The organisation also highlighted the global recognition of its International A Levels as a pathway to higher education. According to new UCAS application data, 98% of Cambridge International A Level students who applied to UK universities in the 2025 cycle received at least one offer.

Kevin Ebenezer, Director of University Pathways and Progression at Cambridge, said universities increasingly seek students with academic depth, resilience and independent-thinking abilities.

“Cambridge International A Levels continue to earn the confidence of the world's leading universities because they prepare students not simply to gain admission, but to thrive once they arrive,” he said.

The June examination series also marked the introduction of on-screen examinations in a range of subjects. Developed with schools, the digital option is being introduced alongside traditional paper-based examinations to provide greater flexibility for students and institutions.

Meanwhile, Cambridge IGCSE and O Level results are scheduled to be released on August 18 to more than 315,000 students in 4,949 schools worldwide. The rising number of entries in Bangladesh comes as families increasingly seek educational pathways that can provide access to universities at home and abroad while developing communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.