Education Desk
Islamabad :The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC Pakistan) has issued a landmark directive making a three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) course compulsory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes nationwide, effective from the 2026 academic session.
According to the commission, the mandatory AI course will apply to both public and private sector higher education institutions across Pakistan. Universities have been formally instructed to revise and update their curricula to incorporate the compulsory subject without delay, ensuring full compliance before the 2026 intake.
Under the new policy, every bachelor’s and master’s degree programme—regardless of discipline—will include a three-credit-hour course focused on Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. The initiative aims to build foundational AI literacy among students and prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the global job market.
HEC Pakistan stated that integrating Artificial Intelligence into higher education is essential to strengthening Pakistan’s academic framework and aligning it with international education standards. By embedding AI education across all fields, the commission seeks to promote innovation, technological awareness, and future-ready skills among university students.
Education experts view the move as a significant step toward digital modernization in Pakistan’s higher education sector. Institutions are expected to implement the updated curriculum framework promptly to ensure smooth adoption of the mandatory AI course from the 2026 academic year.
