University of Karachi Transitions to Semester-Based AD Programs
The University of Karachi has taken a significant step in its academic history by deciding to transition the Associate Degree (AD) programs in Arts, Science, and Commerce (previously known as B.Com, BA, and B.Sc) offered by affiliated public and private colleges to a semester-based system.
Once approved, students in these colleges will take exams twice a year based on half the syllabus. Teaching will be conducted over five months, followed by exams, each semester six months long, including examinations.
This decision aligns with the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) recent policy on Associate Degrees, which replaces the traditional two-year graduation system with a standardized AD program across the country.
Professor Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Secretary of the University of Karachi’s Affiliation Committee, presented a report on this proposal, which Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi has included as an agenda item for the Academic Council meeting scheduled for December 3. If approved, the semester system will be implemented for the AD programs in affiliated colleges, starting with new admissions.
The University of Karachi has termed this semester’s structure as “Biannual.” Notably, while most public sector universities in Pakistan have been running the AD program under an annual examination system for the past four years, the University of Karachi may become the first to shift to a semester-based approach.
According to the proposed policy, exams for each subject will carry 100 marks and will be conducted every 5 to 7 months under semester regulations and syllabi. The University’s Examination Department will handle these assessments.
In the semester system, traditionally, 40% of marks are assessed by the colleges, while the university evaluates 60%. However, since private candidates can also register for the AD program without college involvement, the University has decided to centralize the 100-mark exams under the Examination Department to accommodate both regular and private candidates.
HEC guidelines have been followed to divide the AD curriculum for Commerce, Science, and Arts into four semesters, ensuring semester-based teaching in colleges.
Private universities have rapidly adopted the semester system for the AD program under HEC’s new graduate policy. To remain competitive, it has become essential for public universities to implement this policy as well.
News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani
