Islamabad:The Higher Education Commission has put off the implementation of mandatory GRE and HAT test requirements for admissions to MS, MPhil and PhD programmes across universities and degree-awarding institutions in the country.
According to a notification issued by the HEC Coordination Division, the earlier decision to conduct GRE/HAT-General and GRE/HAT-Subject tests through the Education Testing Council for admissions to Level-7 (MS/MPhil or equivalent) and Level-8 (PhD or equivalent) programs will now take effect from Fall 2027 instead of Fall 2026.
It added that the decision was deferred after multiple universities and degree-awarding institutions requested additional time for implementation of the policy. Earlier, the HEC had announced plans to make GRE and HAT tests mandatory for admissions to MS, MPhil and PhD courses.
Meanwhile, the HEC has issued a new policy for dual, double and joint degree programmes.
Under the new policy, a formal framework for educational collaboration between Pakistani and foreign universities has been introduced, while students have been allowed to pursue two degrees at a time.
According to the HEC, the new policy will provide students with international quality education, joint degree programmes and better opportunities for academic linkages with global universities.
Research collaboration, student mobility and educational partnerships will be promoted through the policy. The new policy has given special importance to quality assurance, transparency and institutional accountability so that degree programmes can be run according to world standards.
The HEC said that the policy had been prepared keeping in mind modern educational needs and global trends. According to it, the new policy will strengthen the process of internationalisation in Pakistani universities while also improving the global recognition and employment opportunities of graduates.
