HEC makes Artificial Intelligence course mandatory for university degree programmes

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all public and private universities across Pakistan to introduce a compulsory three-credit-hour course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

The decision has been taken in view of the rapidly evolving global education and technology landscape, where AI is playing a pivotal role across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, the economy and governance.

In a letter addressed to vice chancellors, the HEC Executive Director stated that AI education is no longer an optional add-on but an essential requirement of the modern era.

He emphasised the need to equip students with practical understanding of digital literacy, ethical responsibility, data privacy, transparency and social impact, enabling them to acquire skills aligned with international standards.

The letter clarified that universities may offer the AI course as an elective, an interdisciplinary subject, or as a supporting module within existing programmes.

The curriculum must cover core AI concepts, applications across various fields, ethical considerations, fairness and accountability. Universities have also been allowed flexibility to tailor the content according to the nature of their respective programmes.

It was further stated that the course will be implemented across all degree programmes from the Autumn 2026 academic session.

The initiative aims to prepare Pakistani students to play an effective role in an AI-driven world and to enhance the national economy’s competitiveness at the global level.