The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all universities and degree-awarding institutions offering business and management programs to obtain accreditation from the National Business Education Accreditation Council, warning that non-compliant institutions could face regulatory action, including the suspension of admissions.
In a letter addressed to vice chancellors, rectors, presidents, and heads of higher education institutions, HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar said the commission remains committed to strengthening quality assurance and enhancing academic standards, relevance, and international competitiveness.
According to the HEC, the NBEAC serves as Pakistan’s national accreditation body for business and management education. Its accreditation framework evaluates institutional governance, academic programs, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, research, innovation, industry linkages, and overall institutional performance.
The commission noted that a significant number of business education programs across the country have yet to obtain NBEAC accreditation.
HEC has directed all universities to ensure that their business schools, faculties, institutes, and departments secure accreditation by the Fall 2027 semester and meet the council’s minimum quality standards.
The commission warned that institutions failing to achieve accreditation within the prescribed timeline may face regulatory action under its policies and legal framework. Such measures could include the suspension of admissions in affected business and management programs.
HEC also informed institutions that the registration application form and accreditation manual are available through the National Business Education Accreditation Council’s official platform.
The move is part of the commission’s broader efforts to improve the quality, credibility, and global recognition of business education in Pakistan.
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