The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan said today that it has launched its inaugural National Skill Competency Test (NSCT), a landmark initiative designed to assess final-year computing students and create a direct pipeline to the nation’s burgeoning IT industry.
The nationwide examination was administered across 165 centres in 112 cities, marking a significant step in standardising skills assessment for university students enrolled in the 7th and 8th semesters of their computing programmes.
In Islamabad, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, accompanied by the Federal Secretary IT, visited the Virtual University Control Centre. HEC officials briefed the dignitaries on the test”s progress, showcasing live monitoring of the examination centres to highlight the coordination of the large-scale effort.
The minister commended the collective contributions of universities, institutional leaders, and on-ground teams, acknowledging their dedication in ensuring the smooth execution of the assessment.
Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of HEC, also observed the operations at the Virtual University, noting the efficiency of the process and praising the university’s team for their effective implementation of the initiative.
The computer-based test, offered at no cost to students, aims to integrate them into a national IT talent database, providing direct access to employment opportunities within the technology sector.
High-performing participants will be awarded a joint certificate from HEC, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA).
Furthermore, successful candidates will earn one academic credit from their respective universities and receive preferential access to internships, apprenticeships, and pathways for international certifications.
The HEC had initially announced the NSCT in January, positioning it as a pivotal strategy to better align academic qualifications with the dynamic requirements of the global technology industry.