The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has temporarily suspended new admissions in selected computing and IT-related programmes at 44 higher education institutions across Pakistan. The decision is part of a quality review being conducted under the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 framework.
According to an official HEC advisory, the affected institutions will not be allowed to admit new students to the specified computing programmes until the ongoing evaluation process is completed and the programmes receive approval from the relevant authorities.
The commission stated that the review is intended to assess the academic quality, curriculum standards, industry relevance, and overall effectiveness of computing programmes offered by these institutions. Universities from Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been included in the review process.
HEC urged students and parents to carefully verify the status of computing programmes before submitting admission applications. The commission stressed the importance of choosing degree programmes that meet established quality benchmarks and offer strong educational and career prospects.
The move is part of broader efforts under NSCT 2026 to enhance the standard of computing education in Pakistan. The initiative aims to ensure that graduates possess the skills required by the modern technology sector and remain competitive in the job market.
Officials said the temporary suspension does not necessarily indicate permanent closure of the programmes. Instead, it is a precautionary measure designed to ensure compliance with quality assurance requirements before fresh admissions are allowed.
HEC has encouraged prospective students to regularly check its official website for updates regarding the review process, programme approvals, and the admission status of the affected institutions.
A total of 44 universities and higher education institutions have been placed under review, including institutions in Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Swabi, Murree, Skardu, Quetta, and several other cities across the country. The commission will announce further decisions once the evaluation process is completed.
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