Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has issued a formal notification making a three credit hour course on Artificial Intelligence mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country from the 2026 academic session. The directive applies to both public and private sector higher education institutions, requiring universities to incorporate the compulsory AI course into their curricula without delay as part of a broader effort to modernize academic frameworks in line with global technological advancements.
According to the notification, every undergraduate and postgraduate programme will include the mandatory three credit hour AI course, which may be structured as an elective subject, an interdisciplinary course, or a supporting subject integrated within the existing programme framework. Institutions have been given flexibility in how they embed the course within their academic structures, provided that the requirement is fulfilled across all degree offerings. The commission has directed universities to ensure timely implementation so that the policy takes effect from the Fall 2026 intake.
HEC emphasized that integrating Artificial Intelligence into higher education is not merely an academic expansion but a necessity in the fast changing landscape of the 21st century. The commission noted that AI has become a transformative force across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, economy, governance, and research. As industries worldwide increasingly rely on automation, data driven decision making, and intelligent systems, graduates must be equipped with foundational knowledge of AI concepts, applications, ethical considerations, and responsible use of emerging technologies. The notification highlights that students without basic AI literacy risk falling behind in a technology driven global economy.
The initiative aims to equip students with the skills required to effectively utilize AI tools within their respective disciplines, enhancing both academic performance and professional readiness. HEC stated that the course should cover foundational AI concepts while also addressing critical aspects such as ethics, transparency, and responsible deployment. By embedding AI education across all fields of study rather than limiting it to computing disciplines, the commission seeks to foster interdisciplinary innovation and ensure that Pakistan’s higher education system produces graduates capable of contributing to an increasingly digital and knowledge based economy.
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