ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has tightened regulations for two-year Associate Degree Programs (ADPs), warning universities and colleges against offering them under the old annual or private BA/BSc-style system.
Under HEC’s Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, ADPs must follow a semester-based structure and normally consist of four semesters with 60 to 72 credit hours.
The policy requires 30 credit hours of general education and 30 to 42 credit hours in major or disciplinary courses. Depending on the requirements of the relevant authorities, students may also be required to complete a field experience or internship.
HEC has clarified that institutions cannot simply rename the traditional two-year BA/BSc program as an ADP while continuing the annual examination or private-candidate system.
The commission has also warned students and parents against enrolling in phased-out two-year BA/BSc and MA/MSc programs, stating that degrees obtained through non-compliant programs may not be recognized or attested.
Universities and affiliated colleges offering ADPs are required to obtain the necessary statutory approval and meet HEC’s academic and registration requirements.
Students seeking admission to an ADP have been advised to verify that the program follows the semester system, carries the required credit hours, has proper approval and is offered by an authorized institution.
HEC’s action is part of its broader transition from the traditional annual examination system toward a credit-based, semester-oriented undergraduate education framework.
