The Sindh cabinet has approved major changes in the appointment criteria for vice chancellors. These changes apply to public sector universities across Sindh.
The maximum age limit for vice chancellor candidates has been increased from 62 to 65 years. Officials said the decision aims to include more experienced professionals in leadership roles at universities.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The cabinet said the reforms are designed to modernize the selection process in universities.
Under the new rules, candidates must now have 20 years of professional experience. Previously, only 15 years of experience were required. This change is expected to raise the standard of leadership in universities.
Authorities also made academic output a key requirement. Candidates must now have at least 10 research publications. These must be published in journals recognized by the Higher Education Commission.
Officials said the goal is to improve academic quality in universities. They believe stronger qualifications will help improve governance and research output.
The changes follow earlier amendments in university laws. Those reforms allowed serving and retired bureaucrats to apply for vice chancellor posts in general universities. This expanded the pool of eligible candidates.
The Sindh cabinet also approved new Recruitment Rules and Service Regulations 2026. These rules apply to seven Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Sindh.
Officials said appointments in educational institutions will now follow a structured search and selection process. This includes key positions linked to both schools and universities administration systems.
For board-level chairman posts, the age limit has been set between 40 and 55 years. Candidates must have a first division Master’s degree. They also need at least 15 years of senior management experience.
The government said these reforms aim to improve transparency and merit in educational institutions. Better governance in universities is a key priority under the new policy framework.
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Officials believe the updated system will strengthen leadership quality. It is also expected to improve administration and academic performance across universities in Sindh.
