The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has introduced a pivotal initiative to bolster engineering education in response to declining admissions. To address this challenge, PEC now permits pre-medical FSc (Intermediate) graduates to enroll in BS Engineering programs. However, these students must first complete an intensive eight-week preparatory course covering foundational subjects such as mathematics, crucial for engineering studies.
This shift follows a significant downturn in engineering admissions, leading some universities to shutter their engineering departments amidst a staggering decline of 10,000 admissions in a single year. Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan, Registrar of PEC, emphasized the vital role of engineering in national development and underscored the urgent need to attract more students to the discipline.
Under the revised guidelines, universities are mandated to implement this condensed preparatory program tailored for pre-medical students aspiring to pursue engineering. Furthermore, universities must reserve 40% of their engineering seats exclusively for these individuals.
This initiative forms part of broader educational reforms aimed at revitalizing interest in engineering among students initially inclined towards pre-medical studies. By providing this pathway, PEC aims to invigorate the engineering sector and ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals essential for Pakistan’s progress.