The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in partnership with academia, industry leaders, and public sector bodies including PSEB, P@SHA, and the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), has announced a major revision of the national Computer Science curriculum to align higher education with international and market standards.
Collaborative Effort to Modernize Education
The updated framework was finalized during a five-day National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) meeting at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi. The initiative, supported by the EU TVET Sector Support Program through the British Council, aimed to create a globally competitive and industry-driven Computer Science program.
14 Market-Driven Specializations Introduced
Under the new BS Computer Science curriculum, students can now choose from up to 14 specialized fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing, and Health Informatics.
Universities have also been given flexibility to introduce additional relevant specializations within the approved framework.
Professional Certifications for Real-World Skills
The revised structure includes a Professional Certification Component to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with hands-on, market-ready skills. It also places strong emphasis on Final Year Projects and Field Experience, aligning with HEC’s Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, which focuses on interdisciplinary learning and practical competence.
Associate Degree in Computing Endorsed
Additionally, the committee endorsed the Associate Degree in Computing (ADC) as a skill-based qualification designed for early-career professionals, offering a pathway into the BS Computer Science program via a bridge semester.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
An HEC official stated,
“This revision is a milestone in Pakistan’s higher education sector, ensuring our graduates are not only academically sound but also ready to meet global digital economy demands.”
The revised Computer Science curriculum was officially notified on October 14, 2025, marking a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s digital education ecosystem and enhancing employability in the IT sector.