PEC Permits Pre-Medical Students to Pursue Engineering

PEC Permits Pre-Medical Students to Pursue Engineering

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has introduced a significant policy change allowing pre-medical students to enroll in BS Engineering programs. This decision aims to address the declining trend in engineering admissions and invigorate interest in the field.

Previously, engineering universities in Pakistan produced around 30,000 engineers annually. However, recent years have seen a sharp decline, with a decrease of approximately 10,000 admissions in a single year. Some universities have even shut down their engineering departments due to a lack of students.

To counter this trend, PEC Registrar Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan announced that students who have completed their FSc with pre-medical subjects can now take admission in BS engineering programs. This is contingent upon completing an eight-week condensed program designed to cover deficient courses, particularly in mathematics.

“Until a few years ago, our engineering universities were producing around 30,000 engineers annually. But gradually, the field is facing a decline. Therefore, in order to motivate pre-medical students toward engineering, we have decided to allow them as well,” said Dr. Khan. He added that the decision was made after extensive consultations with vice-chancellors and experts.

The PEC has directed universities to enroll students with a pre-medical background starting this fall admission session. This move is part of broader initiatives to strengthen the engineering field, including paid training programs and STEM education at the school level.

The PEC’s letter dated July 11, addressed to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), specifies that the PEC governing body decided in its 49th meeting on June 28 to allow students with Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) pre-medical qualifications to be eligible for engineering programs as per the PEC Regulations for Engineering Education in Pakistan.

Key Guidelines and SOPs:

  1. Entry Test Adjustments: The entry test mechanisms will be modified to include the HSSC (Pre-Medical) qualification with corresponding weightages for admission eligibility.
  2. Condensed Program: Universities will conduct an eight-week condensed program to cover deficient courses, particularly in Mathematics. This program serves as a provisional admission for foundation courses.
  3. Quality Assurance: Universities are responsible for developing and ensuring the quality of the condensed program, including teaching, learning, and assessment.
  4. Admission Criteria: Students will be admitted based on merit and student preferences, with 40% of seats in each batch allocated to pre-medical students who complete the condensed program.
  5. Separate Entry Tests: Universities will conduct separate entry tests for students who qualify through the condensed program to determine their admission merit.
  6. Regional Variations: The admissions cycle may vary according to regional requirements and the academic year’s commencement.
  7. Minimum Marks Requirement: A minimum of 60% marks in HSSC is mandatory for admission to engineering programs.

The PEC has informed universities that the SRO for the amendment to PEC regulations is under process and will be shared shortly. Meanwhile, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) will review this issue in an upcoming meeting.

Engr. Niaz Ahmed, the Senior Additional Registrar and Head of EAD, emphasized that the amendment is designed to improve access to engineering education for a broader range of students, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

This policy change marks a significant step towards revitalizing the engineering sector in Pakistan by tapping into a new pool of talented students from the pre-medical background.