The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has introduced a major reform in Pakistan’s higher education system by centralizing admissions for MPhil and PhD programs.

Under the new policy, universities will no longer conduct their own entry tests for MS/MPhil and PhD admissions. Instead, from Fall 2026 onward, admissions will be based solely on GRE/HAT General and relevant subject tests conducted by HEC’s Education Testing Council.

According to officials, the move is aimed at improving standardization, transparency, and merit-based selection across all higher education institutions in the country. By removing multiple university-level entry tests, the system is expected to become more uniform and fair for applicants nationwide.

The HEC has also directed all universities to comply with the new admission framework starting from the upcoming academic cycle. Existing institution-specific testing requirements will be phased out under the updated policy.

Education experts believe this reform could help reduce inconsistencies in admission standards and streamline the process for students applying to postgraduate programs. However, implementation and accessibility of testing centers will be key factors in its success.

The policy marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s higher education structure, aligning it more closely with international standardized admission systems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports.