The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has launched the National Skill Competency Test for IT students to better align university education with global technology industry needs.
Introduced under the prime minister’s directives and developed with the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and P@SHA, the standardized test aims to improve employability and industry readiness among IT graduates.
Students in the 7th and 8th semesters of programs, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, can take the test free of charge.
High-performing candidates will receive a joint certificate from HEC, PSEB, and P@SHA and will be included in a national talent pool accessible to local and international employers.
Successful students will also earn one academic credit and gain priority access to internships, apprenticeships, and international certification opportunities.
HEC has directed universities to ensure full participation, as results will contribute to national institutional benchmarking.
Universities will be ranked based on student performance, while institutions failing to register students or appoint focal persons by February 6, 2026, risk being placed below the lowest performance category.