ISLAMABAD:
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has called on universities across the country to ensure the participation of final-year computing students in the upcoming **National Skill Competency Test**, expected to begin in early April.
The standardized assessment aims to align academic outcomes with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology industry while improving the employability of graduating students.
According to HEC, high-performing participants will receive certificates jointly issued by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). Successful candidates will also be included in a national talent pool designed to connect skilled graduates with the technology sector.
In addition to recognition, qualifying students will receive **one academic credit from their respective universities** and gain **priority access to internships, apprenticeships, and international certification opportunities**.
HEC had earlier notified universities about the test last month, advising them to nominate focal persons and facilitate the registration of students in the **seventh and eighth semesters** of computing-related disciplines. These fields include computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and other related programs.
Officials said the results of the test will also contribute to **national benchmarking of universities**. Institutions will be categorized into performance tiers based on the success rate of their students, reflecting how well their academic programs align with industry skill requirements.
However, universities that fail to facilitate student registration may be placed **below the lowest performance category** in national rankings, HEC warned.
The National Skill Competency Test has been developed in line with directives from the prime minister and in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication Pakistan, Pakistan Software Export Board, and Pakistan Software Houses Association.
