The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has announced that a three-credit-hour artificial intelligence (AI) course will be made compulsory in all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country starting with the 2026 academic year.
Under the new directive, both public and private universities are required to integrate this AI course into their curricula without delay, it has been reported. Institutions can choose to offer the subject as an elective, an interdisciplinary option, or a supporting course within existing degree structures.
The HEC emphasised that AI has become a central part of the modern technological landscape and that equipping students with foundational AI knowledge and skills is essential for their academic and professional futures.
According to the officials, the move aims to ensure graduates are better prepared to use, understand, and contribute to AI developments in their respective fields.
