HEC Adopts Skill-Based Curriculum to Tackle Declining University Admissions

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a major policy shift, directing universities nationwide to integrate skill-based education and industry-linked certifications into their degree programs. The move comes amid a sharp drop in student enrolment across Pakistan’s higher education institutions.

Recent data indicates that university admissions have declined due to a growing perception that traditional degrees no longer guarantee employment. Experts have long warned that Pakistan’s higher education system must evolve to meet the changing needs of the digital and industrial economy.

Under the new HEC framework, public and private universities will be required to offer certifications aligned with key sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction, high-tech manufacturing, finance, and the digital economy. The initiative aims to bridge the widening skills gap between university education and employer expectations.

A senior HEC official explained:

“Our goal is to ensure that every graduate entering the workforce has both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to today’s job market.”

Sources added that the HEC made this decision after reviewing the disconnect between academic programs and real-world employment trends, which has led to rising graduate unemployment and declining enrolments across several universities.

Experts believe that this new skill-based model could revitalize higher education in Pakistan, making graduates more competitive both locally and internationally.