The Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) has launched the National Skill Competency Test to better align university education with the needs of the global technology industry.
The initiative has been developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Software Export Board, and Pakistan Software Houses Association.
Who Can Take the Test?
Students in the 7th and 8th semesters of the following programs can participate free of cost:
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Computer Science
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Software Engineering
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Artificial Intelligence
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Data Science
Benefits for High Performers
Students who perform well will receive:
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A joint certificate from HEC, PSEB, and P@SHA
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Inclusion in a national talent pool accessible to employers
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One academic credit
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Priority for internships, apprenticeships, and international certifications
Universities Also Under Evaluation
HEC has instructed universities to ensure full student participation. Test results will contribute to institutional benchmarking, and universities will be ranked based on performance.
Institutions that fail to register students or appoint focal persons by February 6, 2026, may be placed in the lowest performance category.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The move is aimed at improving industry readiness and reducing the skills gap between university education and real-world IT job requirements.
