HEC Bans New Admissions in Annual, Private-Mode Associate Degree Programs

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has ordered higher education institutions to cease enrolling students in Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) through annual and private candidate modes, citing non-compliance with the undergraduate education policy. This directive comes after multiple institutions continued offering ADPs through these modes, despite the discontinuation of traditional BA and BSc programs.

HEC expressed concerns that such practices might hinder graduates' ability to attest, equate, pursue further education, or secure employment, as their qualifications may not be recognized uniformly. The commission requested all HEIs to submit detailed records of students enrolled in these ADPs, featuring program title, mode of study, enrollment session or year, the count of enrolled students, and the number of graduates.

Verification of this data would be the responsibility of registrars and controllers of examinations, with countersignature by vice chancellors or institution heads. HEC emphasized that new admissions to ADPs via annual or private candidate modes must be halted immediately. Violations of this policy could lead to regulatory consequences under relevant laws and regulations.

Additionally, institutions are required to ensure their advertising materials, prospectuses, and academic offerings align with the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy.