Higher Education Commission (HEC) today announced that Pakistan will be phasing out 2-year BA/BSc and 2-year MA/MSc programmes from academic years 2018 and 2020, respectively.

HEC, in a circular sent to all universities across Pakistan, a copy of which is pasted below, said that decision was made after thorough deliberation and that no university will offer 2 years-duration degree for BA, BSc, MA and MSc.

HEC said that a committee of experts from different universities, constituted by HEC, has devised a mechanism to accommodate existing BA/BSc students into 4-year BS programmes.

After analyzing BA/BSc progrmmes of different universities, the Committee proposed a bridging semester as a foundation for such students to enter fifth semester of a 4-year programme, after which they can complete remaining four semesters in years to attain BS degree.

However, if a student opts to exit after two years, he/she will be awarded a two-year Associate Degree.

Moreover, there will be no admission in BA, BSc programmes after 2018 and MA, MSc programmes after academic year 2020.

In this regard, a notification has been issued to all the concerned institutions so that the students are not affected by any sudden move, and universities and colleges gradually adapt to the new scheme of studies.

HEC said that move was made primarily due to the fact that most of universities in Pakistan offer 4-year BS and BSc (Hons) programmes, involving 16 years of education. However, others offer BA, BSc degrees involving 14 years of education.

Similarly there are some universities offering MS/M.Phil and MSc (Hons) with eighteen years of education, while others offer MA, MSc with 16 years of education.

HEC said that to avoid any confusion among employers, national, international organizations and community as well, HEC decided to streamline the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

HEC said that matter was taken up in a meeting of the “commission” and was approved as a policy.

via ProPakistani