Education Desk
Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has temporarily suspended fresh admissions in computing-related programmes at 44 universities and higher education institutions across the country as part of its quality assurance measures under the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026.
According to an official student advisory issued by HEC, the decision has been taken to ensure quality standards in computing education. The affected institutions have been placed under review until the completion of institutional evaluations and approval by the competent authority.
HEC clarified that the suspension applies only to fresh admissions in computing-related programmes, while admissions in other academic disciplines at these institutions will continue as usual.
The commission stated that prospective students and parents should verify the admission status of computing programmes before applying to any university.
Universities Placed Under Review
Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K)
Alhamd Islamic University, Islamabad Campus
Preston University, Islamabad
University of Kotli, AJ&K
Women University of AJ&K, Bagh
Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Trarkhal AJ&K
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar
Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
Hazara University, Mansehra
Women University Mardan
University of Swabi
University of FATA, Darra Adam Khel
Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan
University of Technology, Nowshera
University of Lakki Marwat
Northern University, Nowshera
University of Buner
Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
BRAINS Institute, Peshawar
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar
University of Agriculture, Peshawar
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 Science and Technology, Lahore
University of Jhang, Jhang
Kohsar University, Murree
Sindh
Emaan Institute of Management and Sciences, Karachi
ILMA University, Karachi
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL), Karachi
Green International University
Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur
Sindh Agriculture University, TandoJam
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
Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan
University of Makran, Panjgur
Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta
University of Baltistan, Skardu
University of Loralai
Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar
HEC Advises Students to Verify Programme Status
HEC has strongly advised students and parents to confirm the accreditation and admission status of computing programmes before seeking admission. The commission emphasized that these measures are aimed at improving academic quality, relevance, and employability in Pakistan’s higher education sector.
Students can obtain further information and verify programme status through the official HEC website.
Source: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Student Advisory on NSCT 2026 Quality Assurance Measures.
