Punjab University has decided to seek the resumption of private Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) examinations, sending letters to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to request the restoration of these programmes.
According to the university registrar, the Punjab University Syndicate has passed a resolution in favour of restarting private BA and MA examinations.
The resolution highlights that the discontinuation of private BA and MA programmes has deprived a significant segment of the population of opportunities to pursue higher education. It argues that private examinations were an important route to obtaining degrees, particularly for people living in rural and remote areas.
The programmes also provided an opportunity for working individuals, including employees and labourers, to continue their education alongside their professional responsibilities without attending regular university classes.
Members of the university's Syndicate have requested the Punjab Assembly to allow Punjab University to resume these examinations, emphasising their importance in expanding access to higher education.
The Higher Education Commission had discontinued private BA and MA degree programmes two years ago as part of its higher education policy.
However, Punjab University's latest move reflects its efforts to restore an alternative route for students who cannot attend regular university programmes. The examinations will be resumed only if the relevant authorities grant the necessary permission.
No official date for the resumption of private BA and MA examinations or an application schedule has been announced so far.
