The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially announced that a mandatory three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) course will be introduced in all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across Pakistan starting from the Fall 2026 semester. The decision applies to both public and private universities and is part of HEC’s broader strategy to modernize higher education and prepare students for an AI-driven future.
According to HEC, every university will be required to incorporate the compulsory AI course into its curriculum. Institutions will have the flexibility to offer it as an elective, an interdisciplinary subject, or a supporting course within existing degree programs. However, the three-credit-hour AI component will become a mandatory requirement for all students regardless of their academic discipline.
The commission said the initiative is aimed at equipping graduates with essential AI knowledge and practical skills needed in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. HEC believes that understanding artificial intelligence is no longer limited to computer science students but has become a fundamental competency for professionals across all fields.
The announcement was made during the 47th meeting of the Higher Education Commission, where several major education reforms were approved, including the nationwide implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), biannual National Skills Competency Tests (NSCT), and new policies for establishing higher education institutions.
