Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced an extension of the registration deadline for the Centralized Test, which is a pathway to apprenticeships in leading IT companies. The new deadline is January 3, 2024, while the test itself remains scheduled for January 7, 2024.
This opportunity is open to students currently in the 7th semester of Computer Science/IT-related programs at recognized public and private sector universities, as well as affiliated/constituent colleges. Interested students can register through the Virtual University (VU) link: https://www.vu.edu.pk/GraduateTest/
The decision to extend the registration deadline was taken during a virtual meeting of Vice Chancellors/Rectors and Heads of Departments of Computer Science/IT from both public and private sector Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The aim is to maximize the participation of eligible students and ensure they avail themselves of this opportunity.
HEC Chairman emphasized the importance of universities, especially IT and Computer Science Departments, ensuring the registration of 7th-semester students for the test. He urged HEIs to promptly nominate focal persons for effective communication related to all aspects of the test.
The primary objective of this initiative is to equip IT graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes required in the dynamic IT industry. The test will help identify academic/training gaps in fresh IT graduates, which can be addressed through specialized modules, apprenticeships, or bootcamps aligned with industry needs.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), HEC aims to bridge the industry-academia gap and enhance the market readiness of IT students.
Successful candidates in the test will have the opportunity for placements in IT companies, including top exporters, through P@SHA, gaining hands-on experience on real-time projects. Qualifying candidates may also be considered for credit hours exemption in the 8th semester against electives or mandatory field experience.
Spring 2024 marks the commencement of the industry placement program, and upon successful completion, candidates’ credentials with recommendations will be placed on PSEB and P@SHA portals, connecting them to a vast pool of IT companies and potential job offers.
