Higher Education Commission (HEC) has reportedly revised its policy for Ph.D. admissions on 1 January 2021.

Under the revised policy, students can also apply for Ph.D. directly after four-year BS programs.


The policy states that the minimum duration of a Ph.D. degree will be three years while the maximum duration of the degree will be eight years.


It has also abolished the requirement of having a previous qualification in the same discipline in order to apply for a specific Ph.D. program.


In case of non-implementation or violation of the policy, HEC would take action against universities ranging from warnings, suspension or revocation of NOC for admissions, and non-verification of credentials.


Meanwhile, the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has expressed serious concerns and rejected the revised policy by the HEC.


Note that the HEC has not yet issued the official notification of the revised policy change regarding Ph.D. admissions.