ISLAMABAD — The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all public and private universities to introduce a mandatory three credit hour course on Artificial Intelligence in all associate, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degree programs starting from the Fall 2026 academic session.

The directive will apply to Associate Degree Programs (ADP), bachelor’s degrees (BS/BA/BSc), master’s degrees (MA/MSc/MBA and equivalent), MPhil and PhD programs nationwide. The move aims to ensure that students at every academic level develop a foundational understanding of AI as the technology increasingly influences education, healthcare, governance and the broader economy.

In an advisory issued to universities, the commission said Artificial Intelligence has become a central driver of innovation and decision-making across sectors. It emphasized that higher education institutions must equip students with both technical knowledge and awareness of ethical concerns linked to AI systems.

Universities may offer the course as a standalone subject, an interdisciplinary module or an allied course within the existing structure of each program. Institutions have been allowed flexibility to adapt the content according to their disciplines while meeting minimum core requirements.

Course focus and implementation

The HEC instructed universities to cover core AI concepts, practical and cross-disciplinary applications, and ethical issues such as fairness, accountability, transparency and data privacy.

The requirement will take effect from the Fall 2026 semester, with universities expected to revise curricula and secure necessary approvals before implementation.