The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will not recognise Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) provided through private modes or annual examination systems in Pakistan. Students, parents, and higher education institutions are warned against enrolling in or offering these specific types of ADPs.
Degrees obtained via annual or private examinations will be ineligible for equivalence or attestation by the commission. Universities and colleges have been directed to cease all advertising and offerings of ADPs through annual or private systems.
Institutions are required to adhere to the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023 (Version 1.1). Completion of an Associate Degree Program must occur through the regular semester system.
An approved ADP consists of four semesters spanning two years. Participants must earn between 64 and 72 credit hours to satisfy the program requirements.
The approved system prohibits two-year BA, BSc, or Associate Degree Programs conducted through private study arrangements or annual exams. The HEC urged higher education institutions to stop new admissions for ADPs offered through annual or private systems immediately.
