[3] In the academic year 1978–1979, the Bangladesh government planned to establish medical colleges at Bogra, Comilla, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Kushtia, Khulna, Noakhali and Pabna with a view to improve the healthcare services in the country.

Accordingly, the government committed to establish five new medical colleges at Pabna, Jessore, Noakhali, Cox's Bazar and Rangamati with annual intakes of 50 students at each.

Cox's Bazar Medical College moved to the permanent campus with its own academic buildings and hostels for students in 2017.

Admission of Cox's Bazar Medical College is administrated by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health, Government of Bangladesh and curriculum by Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council.

Basic requirement for admission is that a candidate must have passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC)/'O' Level and Higher School Certificate (HSC)/'A' Level or their equivalent examinations although the minimum grade points required vary from year to year.

The test comprises a written MCQ exam, which is held simultaneously in all government medical colleges on the same day throughout the country.

Candidates are selected for admission based on national merit and district, whether they are sons or daughters of freedom fighters, and to fill tribal quotas.