The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) to stop offering Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) through annual examination and private-candidate modes.
The directive was issued after HEC found that some institutions were continuing to offer ADPs through these modes despite the phase-out of the conventional BA and BSc programs.
According to the HEC notification issued on September 25, 2026, some institutions had also changed the titles of old BA and BSc programs to Associate Degree Programs without making the necessary changes to their academic structure and method of delivery.
HEC Stops New Admissions in Annual and Private ADPs
Under the latest directive, universities and other higher education institutions have been instructed not to make new admissions to Associate Degree Programs being offered through annual or private-candidate modes.
HEC has also directed institutions to ensure that their admission advertisements, prospectuses, and academic programs comply with the requirements of the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy.
Institutions that continue to offer such programs or admit students in violation of HEC requirements may face regulatory action under the applicable laws and regulations.
Why Has HEC Taken This Step?
HEC has raised concerns about institutions continuing to operate ADPs in formats that do not comply with the current undergraduate education framework.
The commission noted that simply changing the name of an old BA or BSc program to an Associate Degree Program does not bring the program into compliance with HEC requirements.
The move is part of the broader transition away from the conventional BA/BSc structure toward the Associate Degree framework. HEC had previously directed institutions to transition from the old two-year BA/BSc programs to Associate Degree programs. (Higher Education Commission)
HEC Raises Concerns About Students’ Future
According to HEC, students enrolled in non-compliant programs could potentially face difficulties related to:
- Degree attestation
- Equivalence of qualifications
- Admission to further education
- Employment
The commission has therefore instructed institutions to ensure that their Associate Degree Programs follow the applicable academic and regulatory requirements.
Universities Asked to Submit Student Data
HEC has also asked higher education institutions to provide program-wise and session-wise consolidated data of students enrolled in annual or private-mode ADPs.
The information requested by HEC includes:
- Program title
- Mode of study
- Enrollment session or year
- Number of enrolled students
- Number of graduates
The submitted information must be verified by the Registrar or Controller of Examinations. It must then be countersigned by the Vice Chancellor or head of the institution.
What Should Students Do?
Students planning to enroll in an Associate Degree Program should carefully check whether the program and institution comply with current HEC requirements before applying.
Students should also verify the mode of study, program structure, recognition status, and admission details directly with the relevant university or institution.
The latest directive specifically concerns new admissions to ADPs offered through annual or private-candidate modes. It should not automatically be interpreted as cancellation of every Associate Degree Program or as a blanket cancellation of students already enrolled.
HEC Associate Degree Programs: Key Points
| Detail | Latest Information |
| Authority | Higher Education Commission (HEC) |
| Program | Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) |
| Affected modes | Annual and private-candidate |
| New admissions | Not allowed in these modes |
| Notification date | September 25, 2026 |
| Main concern | Compliance with HEC undergraduate education requirements |
| Required institutional data | Program, study mode, session, enrolled students and graduates |
| Possible action | Regulatory action for non-compliance |
Important Note
Students should rely on official HEC instructions and their respective institutions for program-specific guidance, particularly if they are already enrolled in an Associate Degree Program.
Also Read: Latest education news, university admissions, scholarships, results and HEC updates on Parhlo Pakistan.
