Pre-Medical Students Can Now Pursue Engineering Degrees
The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has now allowed students with an FSc pre-medical background to apply for BS Engineering programs due to a drop in engineering admissions. These students will need to complete an eight-week course to cover key subjects like mathematics before they can be fully admitted.
PEC Registrar Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan noted that the number of engineering graduates has dropped by about 10,000 in the past year, with some universities even closing their engineering departments. To address this, PEC decided to include pre-medical students in engineering programs.
This change followed discussions with vice-chancellors and experts. Dr. Khan emphasized the need for more engineers for national development and mentioned support initiatives like paid training and STEM education in schools.
A PEC letter from July 11, sent to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), stated that students with a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) in pre-medical can now apply for engineering programs. Universities must follow new guidelines and procedures for these admissions.
The new guidelines include an eight-week condensed course in subjects like mathematics as a provisional step for full admission. Students will also take an entry test to qualify for the program.
Universities will need to ensure the quality of this condensed course, and up to 40% of the seats in each engineering program can be filled by pre-medical students who complete the course and pass the entry test.
The letter also notes that universities can adjust their admission cycles as needed, and a minimum of 60% marks in HSSC is required for admission. PEC is updating its regulations and will provide further details soon. HEC plans to review the PEC’s decision.
