HEC Suspends Admissions in Computing Programs at 44 Universities Under NSCT 2026 Review

HEC Suspends Admissions in Computing Programs at 44 Universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has temporarily halted fresh admissions in computing-related degree 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 an official student advisory issued by the commission, the suspension will remain in effect until the evaluation process of the concerned institutions is completed and the relevant programs receive approval from the competent authority.

HEC has advised students and parents to carefully verify the admission status of computing programs before submitting applications to any university currently under review.

Why Has HEC Suspended Admissions?

The commission stated that the temporary suspension is a quality assurance measure designed to ensure that computing and information technology programs offered by universities meet the required academic, professional, and industry standards.

The review is being conducted under the NSCT 2026 framework, which focuses on improving the quality of higher education and strengthening graduates' skills to meet evolving technological demands.

HEC clarified that the move does not permanently close the affected programs. Instead, admissions will remain on hold until institutional assessments are completed and compliance requirements are fulfilled.

Universities Affected by the HEC Review

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 (AJ&K)

• University of Kotli (AJ&K)
• Women University of AJ&K Bagh
• Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Tararkhal

What Students Should Do

Students planning to pursue degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and other computing-related disciplines are encouraged to verify the latest admission status directly from HEC and their preferred universities.

Applicants may also consider exploring alternative institutions whose computing programs have not been placed under review to avoid delays in the admission process.

Conclusion

The HEC's decision to suspend admissions in computing programs at 44 universities is part of a broader effort to maintain academic quality and ensure compliance with national standards. While the move may temporarily affect prospective students, the commission maintains that the review process is intended to strengthen computing education and improve the overall quality of graduates entering Pakistan's technology sector.