HEC Halts Admissions in Computing Programs at 44 Universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has temporarily suspended fresh admissions to computing-related programs at 44 universities and higher education institutions across Pakistan under its National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 quality assurance review.

In a student advisory, the HEC said admissions and intake in the affected programs will remain suspended until institutional evaluations are completed and approval is granted by the competent authority.

The commission advised prospective students and parents to verify the admission status of computing programs before applying.

The institutions placed under review are:

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 Jhang, Jhang
• Kohsar University, Murree
• University of Science and Technology, Lahore
• Green International University

Sindh

• Emaan Institute of Management and Sciences, Karachi
• ILMA University, Karachi
• Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL), Karachi
• Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur
• Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam
• 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

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar
• Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
• Hazara University, Mansehra
• Women University Mardan, Mardan
• University of Swabi, Swabi
• Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan
• University of FATA, Darra Adam Khel
• University of Agriculture, Peshawar
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar
• University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat
• Northern University, Nowshera
• University of Buner, Buner
• Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
• BRAINS Institute, Peshawar
• University of Technology, Nowshera
• Women University Swabi, Swabi

Balochistan

• University of Loralai, Loralai
• Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar
• University of Makran, Panjgur
• Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta

Islamabad

• Alhamd Islamic University, Islamabad Campus
• Preston University, Islamabad

Gilgit-Baltistan

• University of Baltistan, Skardu

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

• University of Kotli (AJ&K)
• Women University of AJ&K Bagh
• Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Tararkhal

According to the HEC, the temporary suspension is a quality assurance measure under NSCT 2026 aimed at ensuring that computing programs meet the required academic and professional standards. The commission said admissions will remain on hold until the review process is completed and the programs receive the necessary approvals.