The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has issued an important student advisory regarding admissions in certain computing-related degree programs across various universities.

According to HEC, the fresh admissions/intake in selected computing programmes have been temporarily suspended as part of a quality assurance measure under the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 initiative.

Students and parents are advised to verify the admission status of computing programmes before applying.

National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 – Quality Assurance Measure

The National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 is introduced as a quality assurance initiative to evaluate and improve the standards of computing education in Pakistan.

The purpose of this measure is to ensure that:

• Computing graduates receive quality education
• Universities maintain required academic standards
• Students gain relevant industry skills
• Computing programmes meet national requirements

Why Have Admissions Been Temporarily Suspended?

HEC has temporarily halted fresh admissions in certain computing programmes at listed institutions.

The suspension will remain effective until:

• Institutional evaluations are completed
• Computing programmes are reviewed
• Approval is granted by the competent authority

This step is part of HEC’s efforts to maintain the quality and relevance of computing education.

Universities Listed for Review by HEC

The following institutions have been identified for review regarding computing programmes:

Punjab Region

1. Alhamd Islamic University, Islamabad Campus
2. Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
3. Hazara University, Mansehra
4. MNS University of Engineering & Technology, Multan
5. Women University Mardan
6. The Women University Multan
7. Lahore Leads University, Lahore
8. University of Swabi
9. Gomal University, DI Khan
10. Ghazi National Institute of Engineering and Sciences, Dera Ghazi Khan
11. University of Jhang
12. University of Technology, Nowshera
13. University of Kotli (AJK)
14. Kohsar University Murree
15. University of Agriculture Peshawar
16. University of Baltistan Skardu
17. University of Science & Technology Lahore
18. Women University Swabi
19. University of Loralai
20. University of Makran Panjgur

Sindh Region

21. Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar
22. Emaan Institute of Management and Sciences, Karachi
23. ILMA University, Karachi
24. Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL), Karachi
25. Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam
26. The University of Larkano
27. Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship (MiTE), Karachi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Other Regions

28. University of FATA, Darra Adam Khel
29. University of Chitral
30. University of Lakki Marwat
31. Northern University, Nowshera
32. University of Buner
33. Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
34. BRAINS Institute, Peshawar
35. University of Sufism & Modern Sciences, Bhitshah
36. Preston University Islamabad
37. Alhamd Islamic University Quetta
38. Baluchistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar
39. University of Turbat
40. Women University of AJ&K Bagh
41. Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, AJ&K
42. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar
43. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
44. Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Bahawalpur

Important Instructions for Students

Before applying to any computing programme, students should:

• Confirm the current admission status
• Check whether the programme is approved
• Verify university accreditation status
• Review HEC updates

Students should avoid applying blindly to any computing programme that is under review.

Impact on Students Seeking Admission in Computing Fields

Students planning to enroll in programs such as:

• BS Computer Science
• BS Information Technology
• BS Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Cyber Security

should carefully check the status of their selected university before submitting admission forms.

HEC Message for Students and Parents

HEC has advised prospective students and parents to prioritize quality education and choose recognized and quality-assured computing programmes.

The objective is to protect students’ academic careers and ensure that graduates have skills aligned with modern industry requirements.

For More Information

Students can visit the official HEC website for updated information:

www.hec.gov.pk

Conclusion

The temporary suspension of admissions in selected computing programmes is part of HEC’s quality improvement initiative. Students should verify programme approval status before applying for Fall 2026 admissions to ensure a secure academic future.