Policy changes for undergraduates, MPhils, and PhDs approved

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved updated undergraduate and MPhil/PhD policies for universities and degree colleges in the country.

These policies will be effective from 2023, with outgoing admissions implementing them.

Undergraduate policies have been approved, clarifying the features of two-year associate degree and four-year bachelor's degree programs, as well as interim in-principle approval of MPhil and Ph.D.

The MPhil/PhD policy may also incorporate the points suggested by Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, who is a member of the Commission.

Two-year associate degrees are now a reality for public, private, and university-affiliated colleges due to both policies, which have changed admissions, framework, and program structure.

The results of the Eight Degree (AD) programs are based on CGPA rather than grades or divisions, and students interested in pursuing a four-year B.S. degree must have a 2.0 CGPA for admission.

As part of the two-year AD program, CGPA will be required as well as three credit hours of internship on the pattern of the BS program.

As part of all associate degree and BS programs, entrepreneurship is also required in general education. Moreover, it facilitates double specialization (double major) for the first time in the four-year BS program by crediting up to 168 hours.

With major changes to the approved M.Phil, Ph.D. policy, the passing marks have been increased to 60% at the M.Phil level and 70% at the Ph.D. level if the entrance test is conducted by the university itself. Likewise, if a student wants to pursue a PhD under an inter-disciplinary intra-qualification discipline, he/she must pass the entrance test with 70% marks.

According to reports, Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman is opposed to outsourcing the test to a third party. There was a 50% passing mark for the MPhil entrance test when it was outsourced, and a 60% passing mark for the Ph.D entrance test when it was outsourced.

Moreover, the interim approved MPhil, PhD policy has also introduced an additional written test at the time of thesis submission. This test was not there before, which will be compulsory for every student who completes course work and research work.

In response to Express News' inquiry on this issue, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed confirmed the approval of both policies and noted that "the approval of MPhil and PhD policies is provisional." He has been empowered by the commission to incorporate the suggestions of Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, former chairman of the HEC and current commission member.

MPhil coursework can be extended to 30 credit hours in three semesters from 24 credit hours. Research will no longer be mandatory after this, and the student can complete the MPhil in one and a half years only.