The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has announced significant amendments to the regulations governing admissions to engineering programs in Pakistan. In a notification issued on July 11, 2024, PEC’s Governing Body, in its 49th meeting held on June 28, 2024, has decided to allow students with HSSC (Pre-Medical) qualifications to be considered for admission into engineering programs.
This policy change is detailed in Article 2(a)(i) of the PEC Regulations for Engineering Education in Pakistan. The decision aims to broaden the eligibility criteria for engineering programs and ensure that a diverse range of students can pursue engineering education.
The notification outlines several guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to follow:
- Entry test regimes will be adjusted to include the HSSC (Pre-Medical) qualification, with corresponding weightages for admission eligibility.
- An 8-week condensed program will be conducted to cover deficient courses, particularly in Mathematics, to make Pre-Medical students eligible for engineering programs.
- HEIs will be responsible for ensuring the quality of the condensed program, which serves as a foundation course for engineering admissions.
- Students will be admitted based on merit and student preferences, as per the discipline’s requirements.
- Up to 40% of seats in each batch may be allocated to students with Pre-Medical backgrounds, provided they complete the condensed program.
- HEIs will conduct separate entry tests for students who qualify through the condensed program to determine their merit for admission.
- The admissions cycle may vary according to regional requirements and the commencement of the academic year.
- A minimum of 60% in HSSC is mandatory for admission to engineering programs.
The Senior Additional Registrar and Head of EAD, Engr. Niaz Ahmed, emphasized that the amendment is designed to improve access to engineering education for a broader range of students, ensuring a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
Further details regarding the SRO for the amendment in PEC Regulations will be shared shortly.