The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has made a significant change to address the declining trend in engineering admissions. They are now allowing students with FSc pre-medical backgrounds to pursue BS Engineering degrees.
Addressing the Engineering Shortage
Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan, PEC Registrar, highlighted a concerning drop in engineering admissions. Engineering universities previously produced around 30,000 engineers annually, but this number has fallen by 10,000 in just one year. This shortage has even led to the closure of some engineering departments.
In an effort to bridge this gap, the PEC has decided to create a pathway for pre-medical students who may be interested in engineering careers.
The Path for Pre-Medical Students to Engineering
Pre-medical students will now have the opportunity to apply to BS Engineering programs after completing an eight-week condensed course. This program will equip them with the necessary foundational knowledge, particularly in mathematics, to succeed in engineering studies.
Universities will be responsible for developing and maintaining the quality of this condensed program. Up to 40% of seats in each engineering program can be allocated to pre-medical students who successfully complete the course.
Here’s a breakdown of the process for pre-medical students:
- Complete an eight-week condensed program to address foundational subject gaps.
- Pass a separate entry test to determine admission merit.
- Meet the minimum HSSC marks requirement of 60% (as per existing PEC regulations).
Next Steps and Considerations
The PEC is currently amending its regulations to accommodate this new policy. They will share updates on the progress soon.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has received the PEC’s letter and will be reviewing the matter. A decision from the HEC is expected on Monday.
This policy change has the potential to increase enrollment in engineering programs and address the shortage of qualified engineers in Pakistan. However, it’s important to ensure the quality of the condensed program and the effectiveness of the separate entry test for pre-medical students.
Conclusion
The PEC’s initiative shows a commitment to addressing the engineering workforce shortage in Pakistan. By creating a pathway for pre-medical students, they are opening doors to new talent and potentially igniting a passion for engineering in these individuals. The success of this policy will depend on the implementation details, including the quality of the condensed program and the fairness of the separate entry test. Here’s to hoping this change fosters a new generation of engineers to propel Pakistan’s technological advancements.
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