ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has finalized and recommended Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for undergraduate degree programs that do not fall under any accreditation or regulatory council.
The recommendations will be shared with higher education institutions after receiving formal approval from the HEC Commission.
According to an HEC statement, the initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) across Pakistan’s higher education sector. The new framework seeks to ensure consistent academic standards and improve graduate quality nationwide.
The OBE Implementation Committee approved two separate sets of Program Learning Outcomes. One framework covers Natural, Human, and Social Science disciplines. Meanwhile, the second framework has been designed specifically for Art, Design, and Media programs.
HEC stated that the proposed learning outcomes were developed after extensive research and benchmarking against national and international standards. As a result, the framework aims to enhance comparability and consistency among graduates from different institutions.
The recommendations were finalized during the committee’s first meeting, chaired by Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain. During the session, members also approved an implementation strategy and Terms of Reference (ToRs) for discipline-specific working groups.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed progress on a special assignment issued by the HEC chairman. Officials reported that 12 councils without published learning outcomes have already been engaged in the process. Draft proposals were prepared through consultations, research, and international benchmarking while ensuring alignment with HEC-approved curricula and competency requirements.
The committee also endorsed a coordinated implementation plan for higher education institutions. The strategy includes faculty training and capacity-building programs for Quality Enhancement Cells. Additionally, it emphasizes direct assessment methods and continuous quality improvement to support effective OBE implementation.
HEC said discipline-wise working groups will mentor and assist universities and councils in adopting Outcome-Based Education. These groups will also help institutions achieve Program Learning Outcome attainment in academic programs that currently operate outside the jurisdiction of accreditation councils.
The initiative represents another step toward strengthening academic quality assurance and improving educational outcomes across Pakistan’s higher education system.
