The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed universities and colleges to stop certain Associate Degree Programs (ADPs).
The directive targets ADPs offered through annual examination and private-candidate systems. HEC issued the instructions on September 25.
The commission raised concerns about institutions that continued these programs after conventional BA and BSc degrees were phased out.
According to HEC, some institutions reportedly changed the names of old BA and BSc programs. However, their academic structure and delivery methods remained unchanged.
The commission said such practices do not comply with its undergraduate education policy. It has therefore asked higher education institutions to stop offering these ADPs.
HEC Seeks Details of Existing Students
HEC has also asked institutions to provide consolidated information about students enrolled in such programs.
The required information must be submitted separately for each program and academic session. Institutions must provide details about the program title and study mode.
They must also mention the relevant enrollment year or session. The number of enrolled students and graduates must also be included.
Registrars and Controllers of Examinations must verify the submitted information. Vice chancellors or heads of institutions must also countersign the data.
This process will help HEC identify programs that were offered outside the approved framework. It will also provide information about students already enrolled in these programs.
Concerns Over Student Recognition
HEC said non-compliant ADPs could create problems for graduates. These issues may affect degree attestation and equivalence procedures.
Graduates could also face difficulties when seeking further education. Employment-related issues may also arise if qualifications do not meet policy requirements.
The commission has therefore asked institutions to ensure their academic programs follow the approved undergraduate education framework.
The directive follows the phase-out of conventional two-year BA and BSc programs. The newer undergraduate education framework requires institutions to follow updated structures.
No New Admissions Allowed
HEC has clearly instructed institutions not to make new admissions to these ADPs.
The restriction applies to programs being offered through annual and private-candidate modes. Institutions are expected to stop such admissions in line with the commission’s policy.
HEC also warned that institutions continuing these programs could face regulatory action.
Such action may be taken under applicable laws and regulations. Institutions have therefore been asked to review their existing academic offerings.
The latest instructions apply to higher education institutions operating under the commission’s regulatory framework.
Impact on Universities and Students
Universities and colleges offering affected ADPs will need to review their programs. They must also compile accurate records of students enrolled in previous sessions.
The requested data will allow HEC to assess the scale of the issue. It will also help authorities determine how existing students and graduates are affected.
Students considering an ADP should verify its recognition status before applying. They should also check whether the program follows the approved undergraduate education policy.
HEC has emphasized compliance with its academic regulations. Institutions are expected to follow the latest requirements and avoid unauthorized admissions.
In other related news also read HEC Reschedules HAT for Overseas Scholarship Applicants
The September 25 notification provides directions for both existing records and future admissions. Universities and colleges must submit the required information through their designated officials.
