HEC Duration to complete the degree programs

HEC has set certain policies and guidelines to monitor and control the performance of the higher education institutions and ensure the quality education. One of these measures is minimum and maximum duration of a degree program to be completed. Description of each each level is discussed hereunder.

HEC Duration of PhD programs

Higher Education Commission (HEC) allows minimum 3 years and maximum 8 years duration to complete a PhD program. The duration starts from the date of admission to the program till the date of PhD thesis final defense/viva voce. However, considering certain difficulties faced by the PhD program student, HEC does allow extension in the program duration subject to the approval by the statutory bodies of the university i.e. Academic Council, and Board of Advance Studies and Research.

HEC MS/MPhil and equivalent programs duration (18 years education)

For a full time student enrolled in MS/MPhil or equivalent program, HEC allows minimum of 1.5 years and a maximum of 4 years to complete the degree requirements. This policy is applicable to the students enrolled in the program after March 2016.

For a part time student enrolled in MS/MPhil or equivalent program before March 2016, HEC allowed minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 6 years duration to complete the degree requirements. However, HEC did allow one year extension in the program duration subject to the approval by the statutory bodies of the university i.e. Academic Council, and Board of Advance Studies and Research.

HEC Undergraduate programs Duration (16 years education)

For the students enrolled in undergraduate programs (BA/BSc/BS/BE) student enrolled, HEC allows minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 6 years duration to complete the degree requirements. However, HEC does allow one year extension in the program duration subject to the approval by the statutory bodies of the university i.e. Academic Council. HEC has formed certain accreditation councils to ensure the quality education of the various disciplines such as Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC), etc. These councils have defined certain policies to ensure the quality of education in the disciples. HEC does acknowledge the policies of these accreditation councils.