The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has proposed introducing a single standardised entry test for undergraduate admissions across Pakistan to make the university admission process more transparent, fair and accessible for students.
The proposal was reviewed by the Joint Steering Committee, established by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The framework was presented by Dr. Imtiaz Haider, Chief Executive Officer of the Education Testing Council (ETC-HEC).
Common Item Bank Proposed for University Admissions
Under the proposed National Framework for Standardized Undergraduate Admissions, existing examination databases and question banks will be integrated and standardised into a single Common Item Bank.
The initiative aims to reduce the need for students to appear in multiple entry tests when applying to different universities.
Committee members appreciated the presentation and expressed positive views about the proposed framework.
Technical Committee to Finalise the Framework
The Joint Steering Committee agreed to establish a Technical Committee and develop timelines for finalising the proposed admission framework.
The committee will work on the technical aspects of the system to establish a more uniform approach to undergraduate admissions across the country.
Focus on Transparency and Merit
According to the proposal, the initiative aims to promote transparency, fairness and merit in university admissions while ensuring equal opportunities for students nationwide.
It is also expected to reduce the financial and academic burden on students and their families by limiting the need to take multiple admission tests.
Once finalised, the framework is expected to simplify undergraduate admissions and make the process more consistent and student-friendly across Pakistan.
However, the proposal is still under consideration, and no official implementation date has been announced. Students should continue following existing university admission requirements until further instructions.
