26/02/2026
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that a three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) course will become compulsory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes starting from 2026.
The directive applies to both public and private universities across Pakistan. Institutions have been instructed to revise and update their curricula without delay to align with the new requirement.
According to HEC, the AI course may be offered as an elective, interdisciplinary, or supporting subject depending on the academic structure of each programme. The goal is to ensure that students across disciplines — from engineering and computer science to business, social sciences, and healthcare — gain foundational knowledge and practical exposure to AI tools and applications.
Officials state that this move is designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global landscape where AI is transforming industries, job markets, and research methodologies. By integrating AI education across degree programmes, policymakers aim to enhance digital literacy, innovation capacity, and workforce competitiveness.
Education experts view this as a strategic shift toward future-ready learning, emphasizing the importance of aligning Pakistan’s higher education system with global technological trends.
With AI reshaping sectors worldwide, the new policy signals a nationwide push to equip graduates with relevant, practical skills for the digital economy.
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