AI course to be mandatory across all degree programmes

The Higher Education

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has made it mandatory for all public and private universities across Pakistan to introduce a three-credit-hour course on artificial intelligence in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes from the fall 2026 academic session, reports the Pakistan Observer.

The Global academic

The decision comes in response to the rapidly evolving global academic and technological landscape, where AI is playing a pivotal role in education, healthcare, economy, governance and other sectors.

In a formal letter addressed to vice-chancellors and heads of higher education institutions, the HEC executive director stated that AI education is no longer an optional addition but an essential requirement. He emphasised that students must be equipped with digital literacy and a practical understanding of ethical responsibility, data privacy, transparency, fairness, accountability and the broader social impact of AI.