The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has approved the admission of students with FSc pre-medical backgrounds into BS Engineering programs due to a declining trend in engineering admissions. These students must complete an eight-week condensed course to cover deficient subjects like mathematics before becoming eligible for admission.
PEC Registrar Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan explained that engineering universities were previously producing about 30,000 engineers annually, but admissions have dropped by around 10,000 in a single year, with some universities even closing their engineering departments due to a lack of students. To attract pre-medical students, PEC has decided to allow their admission into engineering programs. This decision was made after consultations with vice-chancellors and experts. Dr. Khan highlighted the importance of engineering for the country’s progress and mentioned initiatives like paid training programs and STEM education at the school level to support this field.
Read More: PMDC Sets New Requirement for Pakistani Medical Students Abroad
A PEC letter dated July 11, addressed to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), detailed that the PEC governing body decided in its 49th meeting on June 28 to permit students with a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) in pre-medical to apply for all engineering programs per PEC regulations. Universities have been instructed to follow new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for admitting these students.
The PEC’s guidelines include moderating entry test mechanisms to incorporate the new qualifications and ensuring an eight-week condensed program to cover deficient courses like mathematics. This program serves as provisional admission for foundation courses, qualifying students for full admission through an entry test. Universities are responsible for developing and maintaining the quality of this condensed program. Up to 40% of seats in each engineering program’s intake can be allocated to pre-medical students who complete the condensed course. These students will then take a separate entry test to determine their admission merit.
The letter also specifies that universities may adjust their admission cycles as needed and that a minimum of 60% marks in HSSC is required for admission into engineering programs, as per PEC regulations. The PEC is processing amendments to its regulations and will share updates soon. Meanwhile, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) plans to review this matter. An HEC officer confirmed that they have received the PEC’s letter and will address the issue on Monday.
