Holy Cross College Dhaka: Admissions, Programs & Campus Life

Holy Cross College (HCC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh is one of the most prestigious higher secondary educational institutions for women in the country. Founded in 1950, HCC has a long history of academic excellence and producing successful graduates who go on to make significant contributions in various fields. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything prospective students need to know about Holy Cross College Dhaka, from the admissions process to academic programs to campus life and beyond.

About Holy Cross College Dhaka

Holy Cross College is a Catholic higher secondary school for girls located in the Tejgaon area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established in 1950 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, an American Catholic congregation. HCC is widely regarded as one of the top colleges in Bangladesh, known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on holistic development of students.

Some key facts about Holy Cross College Dhaka:

Founded: 1950

Location: Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh  

Type: Private Catholic women’s college

Affiliation: Dhaka Education Board

Principal: Sister Shikha Laetitia Gomes

Website: www.hcc.edu.bd

EIIN Number: 108148

HCC offers education at the Higher Secondary (HSC) level, which is equivalent to 11th and 12th grade. The college prepares students for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations conducted by the Dhaka Education Board.

Admissions Process

Gaining admission to Holy Cross College is highly competitive, as it is one of the most sought-after institutions for girls’ higher secondary education in Bangladesh. Here’s an overview of the HCC admissions process:

Application Period: The application period for HSC admission typically opens in late May each year for the academic session starting in July. Exact dates are announced on the college website (www.hcc.edu.bd).

Eligibility: Students who have passed their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent examinations in the same year are eligible to apply. There are minimum GPA requirements which may vary each year.

Online Application: Candidates must fill out and submit the online application form available on the HCC website during the designated application period. A non-refundable application fee is required.

Admission Test: Shortlisted candidates based on their SSC results are invited to sit for the HCC admission test, which typically includes subjects like Bengali, English, and Mathematics. 

Merit List: A merit list of selected candidates is published on the college website based on their SSC results and admission test performance.

Document Verification: Selected students must complete the admission process by submitting necessary documents and paying the required fees within the given timeframe.

The entire admissions process is highly competitive, with thousands of students vying for limited seats each year. Prospective students are advised to check the HCC website (www.hcc.edu.bd) regularly for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements, important dates, and procedures.

Academic Programs 

Holy Cross College offers Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) programs in three major groups:

Science Group

Business Studies Group  

Humanities Group

Each group has a set of compulsory and elective subjects. Here’s a brief overview of the subjects offered in each group:

Science Group

Compulsory: Bengali, English, ICT

Electives: Physics, Chemistry, Higher Mathematics, Biology

Business Studies Group

Compulsory: Bengali, English, ICT

Electives: Accounting, Business Organization and Management, Finance Banking and Insurance, Economics

Humanities Group

Compulsory: Bengali, English, ICT

Electives: Logic, Sociology, Economics, Islamic History and Culture

The college follows the national curriculum prescribed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh. Classes are conducted in both Bengali and English mediums.

HCC is known for its excellent academic results in the HSC examinations. The college consistently produces top performers at the national level, with many students achieving GPA 5.0 (the highest possible grade).

Campus Facilities

Holy Cross College boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities to support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits. Some of the key campus facilities include:

Well-equipped Classrooms: Spacious, well-lit classrooms with modern teaching aids to facilitate effective learning.

Science Laboratories: State-of-the-art laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to provide hands-on learning experiences for science students.

Computer Labs: Modern computer laboratories with high-speed internet access for ICT education and research purposes.

Library: A well-stocked library with a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources to support students’ academic needs.

Auditorium: A large auditorium for hosting college events, seminars, and cultural programs.

Sports Facilities: Outdoor sports fields and indoor facilities for various sports and physical education activities.

Cafeteria: A clean and hygienic cafeteria serving nutritious meals and snacks to students and staff.

Prayer Room: A dedicated space for students to practice their faith and engage in spiritual activities.

Medical Center: An on-campus medical facility to provide basic healthcare services to students.

These facilities contribute to creating a conducive environment for learning and overall development of students at Holy Cross College.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Holy Cross College believes in the holistic development of students and encourages participation in various extracurricular activities alongside academic pursuits. The college offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Some key aspects of student life at HCC include:

Clubs and Societies: HCC has a wide range of student clubs and societies catering to diverse interests, including:

• Science Club
• Literature Club
• Debating Society
• Photography Club
• Environmental Club
• Social Service Club

Cultural Activities: The college organizes various cultural events throughout the year, including:

• Annual cultural program
• Inter-class cultural competitions
• Music and dance performances
• Art exhibitions

Sports and Games: HCC encourages participation in sports and physical activities. The college hosts:

• Annual sports day
• Inter-class sports competitions
• Yoga and fitness classes

Community Service: Students are encouraged to participate in community service activities, fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Educational Trips: The college organizes educational trips and excursions to enhance students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Leadership Opportunities: Students can take on leadership roles through the Student Council and various club positions, developing important life skills.

Seminars and Workshops: HCC regularly hosts seminars, workshops, and guest lectures on various topics to broaden students’ horizons.

These extracurricular activities play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals and complement the rigorous academic program at Holy Cross College.

Notable Alumni

Holy Cross College has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. Some notable alumni include:

Sheikh Hasina: Current Prime Minister of Bangladesh (attended HCC for intermediate studies)

Tahmina Anam: Award-winning author and columnist

Rubaba Dowla: First female CEO of a telecommunication company in Bangladesh

Nadia Samdani: Co-founder and President of Samdani Art Foundation

Sabrina Sultana: Renowned Bangladeshi artist

The success of these alumni and many others is a testament to the quality education and holistic development provided by Holy Cross College.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Holy Cross College is committed to making quality education accessible to deserving students. The college offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students from diverse backgrounds. Some of the scholarship opportunities include:

Merit-based scholarships for top performers in academics

Need-based financial aid for economically disadvantaged students

Sports scholarships for exceptional athletes

Special scholarships for students excelling in extracurricular activities

Prospective students are encouraged to check the college website (www.hcc.edu.bd) or contact the administration office for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

Conclusion

Holy Cross College Dhaka stands as a beacon of excellence in women’s higher secondary education in Bangladesh. With its rich history, rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant student life, HCC continues to shape the future leaders of the nation. For young women seeking a challenging and rewarding educational experience, Holy Cross College offers an ideal environment to nurture their talents and prepare for future success.

Prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit the official HCC website (www.hcc.edu.bd) for the most up-to-date information on admissions, academic programs, and college news. With its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, Holy Cross College Dhaka remains a top choice for ambitious young women pursuing higher secondary education in Bangladesh.

FAQs

When does the admission process for Holy Cross College Dhaka typically begin?

The admission process usually starts in late May each year for the academic session beginning in July. Exact dates are announced on the college website.

What are the three main academic groups offered at Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College offers HSC programs in Science, Business Studies, and Humanities groups.

Is Holy Cross College Dhaka a co-educational institution?

No, Holy Cross College is an all-girls institution, offering higher secondary education exclusively for female students.

How can I apply for admission to Holy Cross College?

Applications are submitted online through the college website (www.hcc.edu.bd) during the designated application period.

Does Holy Cross College offer any scholarships?

Yes, HCC offers various scholarships including merit-based, need-based, and special talent scholarships. Details can be found on the college website.

What extracurricular activities are available at Holy Cross College?

HCC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including various clubs, cultural events, sports, community service, and leadership opportunities.