The Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) has temporarily halted fresh admissions to computing-related programs at 44 universities and higher education institutions across Pakistan as part of its National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 quality assurance review.
According to a student advisory issued by HEC, admissions to the affected programs will remain suspended until institutional evaluations are completed and the programs receive approval from the competent authority.
Students Advised to Verify Program Status
HEC has advised prospective students and parents to:
âś… Verify the admission status of computing programs before applying.
The commission said the temporary suspension is a quality assurance measure intended to ensure that computing degree programs meet the required academic and professional standards.
Universities Under Review
The institutions placed under review are spread across all provinces and regions of Pakistan.
Punjab
- MNS University of Engineering and Technology, Multan
- The Women University, Multan
- Lahore Leads University, Lahore
- Ghazi National Institute of Engineering and Sciences, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur
- University of Jhang, Jhang
- Kohsar University, Murree
- University of Science and Technology, Lahore
- Green International University
Sindh
- Emaan Institute of Management and 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, Larkana
- University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah
- Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MiTE), Karachi
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar
- Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
- Hazara University, Mansehra
- Women University Mardan, Mardan
- University of Swabi, 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, Lakki Marwat
- Northern University, Nowshera
- University of Buner, Buner
- Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
- BRAINS Institute, Peshawar
- University of Technology, Nowshera
- Women University Swabi, Swabi
Balochistan
- University of Loralai, Loralai
- Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar
- University of Makran, Panjgur
- Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta
Islamabad
- Alhamd Islamic University, Islamabad Campus
- Preston University, Islamabad
Gilgit-Baltistan
- University of Baltistan, Skardu
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- University of Kotli (AJ&K)
- Women University of AJ&K Bagh
- Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Tararkhal
Why Has HEC Suspended Admissions?
According to HEC, the temporary suspension is part of the:
đź“‹ National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 quality assurance review
The commission said the review aims to ensure that computing programs:
- Meet national academic standards
- Align with industry requirements
- Produce graduates with relevant computing skills
- Maintain the quality of IT and computer science education
Admissions to Resume After Evaluation
HEC clarified that the suspension is temporary and admissions will remain on hold until:
âś… Institutional evaluations are completed
âś… Required improvements are made, where necessary
âś… Approval is granted by the competent authority
Students planning to pursue degrees in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or related computing disciplines have been advised to regularly check official university and HEC notifications for updates regarding the review process and admission status.
