HEC Suspends Admissions in Computing Programmes at 44 Universities Across Pakistan

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has temporarily suspended fresh admissions in selected computing-related degree programmes at 44 universities and higher education institutions across the country under its National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 Quality Assurance initiative.

The move is part of HEC's ongoing efforts to improve the quality, relevance, and employability of computing education in Pakistan. According to the commission, the suspension is temporary and will remain in place until institutional evaluations are completed and approval is granted by the competent authority.

Why Has HEC Suspended Admissions?

HEC clarified that the decision is not a permanent ban on the affected universities. Instead, it is a quality assurance measure under the NSCT 2026 framework, designed to ensure that computing programmes meet national academic and industry standards.

The review will assess whether institutions have the required faculty, curriculum, laboratories, academic infrastructure, governance, and learning outcomes necessary to offer computing-related degrees. Admissions will only resume after institutions successfully complete the evaluation process and receive formal approval.

Which Programmes Are Affected?

The advisory applies to certain computing-related programmes, including those commonly offered in areas such as:

• Computer Science (CS)

• Software Engineering (SE)

• Information Technology (IT)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Data Science

• Cyber Security

• Other computing disciplines offered by the affected institutions

HEC has advised students to verify the admission status of their intended programme before submitting applications.

Important Advice for Students and Parents

The Higher Education Commission has strongly urged prospective students and their parents to:

• Verify whether their chosen computing programme is currently open for admission.

• Confirm the latest status directly with the university.

• Visit the official HEC website before paying admission fees.

• Choose quality-assured institutions to avoid academic complications in the future.

Complete List of Institutions Under Review

According to the official HEC advisory, admissions have been temporarily suspended in selected computing programmes at the following institutions:

Islamabad

• Alhamd Islamic University (Islamabad Campus)

• Preston University, Islamabad

Punjab

• MNS University of Engineering & Technology, Multan

• The Women University, Multan

• Lahore Leads University, Lahore

• Ghazi National Institute of Engineering & Sciences, Dera Ghazi Khan

• Cholistan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur

• University of Jhang

• Kohsar University, Murree

• University of Science & Technology, Lahore

• Green International University

Sindh

• Emaan Institute of Management & Sciences, Karachi

• ILMA University, Karachi

• Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL), Karachi

• Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur

• Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam

• The University of Larkano

• University of Sufism & Modern Sciences, Bhitshah

• Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship (MiTE), Karachi

• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Sakrand

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar

• Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan

• Hazara University, Mansehra

• Women University Mardan

• University of Swabi

• Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

• University of FATA, Darra Adam Khel

• University of Agriculture, Peshawar

• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar

• University of Lakki Marwat

• Northern University, Nowshera

• University of Buner

• Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak

• BRAINS Institute, Peshawar

• Women University Swabi

Balochistan

• University of Loralai

• Balochistan University of Engineering & Technology, Khuzdar

• University of Makran, Panjgur

• Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta

Gilgit-Baltistan

• University of Baltistan, Skardu

Azad Jammu & Kashmir

• University of Kotli (AJ&K)

• Women University of AJ&K, Bagh

• Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Tararkhal (AJ&K)

HEC's advisory applies only to specified computing programmes at these institutions and does not suspend the universities' overall operations.

Does This Mean These Universities Are Closed?

No.

HEC has clarified that the affected universities remain operational. The temporary suspension applies only to fresh admissions in selected computing-related programmes undergoing quality review.

Students already enrolled in these institutions have not been instructed to discontinue their studies through this advisory.

Why the NSCT 2026 Review Matters

The National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) is intended to improve the quality of graduates entering Pakistan's technology sector.

The review focuses on:

• Academic quality

• Industry relevance

• Graduate employability

• Curriculum standards

• Institutional capacity

HEC says the initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan's computing education ecosystem and ensure graduates possess skills aligned with industry requirements.

What Students Should Do Next

Students planning to apply for Computer Science or other computing programmes should:

Conclusion

The Higher Education Commission's decision to temporarily suspend admissions in selected computing programmes at 44 institutions is part of a nationwide quality assurance initiative rather than a permanent restriction. While the affected universities continue to operate, students interested in computing degrees are advised to verify programme status through official HEC and university channels before applying.

As institutional evaluations continue, HEC is expected to issue further updates regarding approvals and the reopening of admissions for the affected programmes.