Govt to Move to Strengthen IT Education Standards
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Senator Ahad Cheema, here on Saturday, called for a comprehensive mechanism to address the issue of unaccredited IT institutions, protect students from enrolling in unrecognized programs, and ensure that IT graduates possess internationally competitive skills.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the IT Skills Assessment Test and the accreditation framework for computing education, the Minister directed the Ministry of Information Technology to:
- Ascertain the number of graduates from unaccredited institutions.
- Examine the extent of the problem.
He emphasized the need for coordinated measures to prevent admissions to institutions and programs lacking the required accreditation.
The Minister directed concerned authorities to develop a mechanism for identifying unaccredited institutions and ensuring that prospective students have access to reliable information about the accreditation status of universities, affiliated colleges, and individual programs before seeking admission.
Reviewing the IT Skills Assessment Test, in which more than 33,000 students from 188 institutions participated, Senator Ahad Cheema:
- Called for aligning the assessment framework with international standards and evolving technology industry requirements.
- Emphasized the need to ensure the credibility of the assessment process through appropriate scrutiny, quality assurance, and institutional checks and balances.
The Minister directed:
- Preparation of a comprehensive report on the performance of participating institutions, including an analysis of competency test results to identify institutions requiring corrective measures.
- Examination of discrepancies between academic qualifications and practical competencies, particularly in cases where students successfully complete degree requirements but fail the skills assessment, or pass the assessment despite not completing their degrees.
He observed that such cases require a thorough examination of academic standards, assessment methodologies, and alignment of university curricula with industry needs. He also stressed the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration to ensure that IT education translates into employable skills and meaningful job opportunities.
The Minister directed concerned authorities to engage:
- Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA)
- Other industry stakeholders
to align competency assessments, professional certifications, and academic programs with actual IT sector requirements.
The meeting also discussed the proposed introduction of mandatory competency assessments at different stages of academic programs. The Minister directed that the implications of the proposal, particularly for students and educational institutions, be carefully examined before any decision is finalized.