The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the launch of the National Skill Competency Test for information technology graduates to assess technical skills and align academic training with industry requirements.
The test has been developed following directions from the prime minister and in coordination with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistan Software Houses Association.
Students enrolled in the seventh and eighth semesters of computing programs will be eligible to take the test. These programs include computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and other related fields.
Participation in the test will be free of charge. Students who perform well will receive a joint certificate issued by HEC, PSEB, and P@SHA and will be included in a national talent pool that can be accessed by employers in Pakistan and abroad.
Successful candidates will also receive one academic credit from their respective universities. They will be given priority for internships, apprenticeships, and pathways leading to international certifications.
HEC has asked higher education institutions to ensure that eligible students register for the assessment. Results of the test will be used for national benchmarking of universities.
Universities will be placed in different performance categories based on the results of their students. Institutions that fail to facilitate student registration will be placed below the lowest performance category in national rankings.
The computer-based test will be conducted simultaneously across Pakistan on April 4 and 5, 2026. Eligible students have been advised to contact the focal person at their university to complete the registration process.
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