Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has stopped universities and affiliated colleges across Pakistan from offering new admissions to Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) through the annual system or private-candidate mode.
The latest directive is an important update for students planning to apply for associate degree programs in Pakistan. HEC has asked higher education institutions to follow its Undergraduate Education Policy when offering these programs.
Why Has HEC Stopped These Admissions?
According to the directive, some institutions continued offering Associate Degree Programs through the old annual and private systems even after traditional BA and BSc programs were phased out.
HEC noted that some institutions had changed the names of older BA/BSc programs to Associate Degree Programs without properly changing their academic structure and teaching system according to HEC requirements.
What Does This Mean for Students?
Universities and colleges are now required to stop taking new students into ADPs offered through annual or private-candidate modes.
HEC has warned that programs that do not follow its policies can create problems for students in areas such as degree attestation, equivalence, further education and employment.
Higher education institutions have also been asked to provide details about students already enrolled in these programs, including program names, study mode, enrollment sessions and the number of enrolled students and graduates.
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Institutions that continue new admissions in violation of HEC rules may face regulatory action. Students are advised to carefully check the recognition and study system of an Associate Degree Program before applying.
