Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has temporarily suspended new admissions in computing-related degree programs at 44 universities and higher education institutions across Pakistan under its NSCT 2026 quality assurance review.
According to an official student advisory issued by HEC, admissions to the affected computing programs will remain suspended until institutional evaluations are completed and approval is granted by the competent authority.
HEC said the move is aimed at improving the quality of computing education and ensuring that academic programs meet the required standards. The commission has advised students and parents to verify the admission status of computer-related programs before applying.
The suspension applies only to selected computing disciplines such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and related programs. Other academic programs offered by these universities may continue as usual.
The action follows the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026, which assessed more than 33,000 final-year computing students from universities across Pakistan to evaluate industry-relevant skills and educational standards.
Universities Under 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, 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
- University of 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
- Northern University, Nowshera
- University of Buner
- Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
- BRAINS Institute, Peshawar
- University of Technology, Nowshera
- Women University Swabi
Balochistan
- University of 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
HEC clarified that the suspension is temporary and admissions may resume once the institutions complete the required evaluation process and receive the necessary approvals. Students interested in computing programs are advised to consult their respective universities and check the latest HEC notifications before submitting admission applications.
