Islamabad, The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced an extension of the registration deadline for the Centralised Test for Computer Science and IT graduates. The new deadline is set for January 03, 2024, while the test date remains unchanged, scheduled for January 07, 2024.
According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, this extension aims to accommodate a larger number of students enrolled in the 7th semester of Computer Science/IT-related disciplines at recognized public and private sector universities, including their affiliated or constituent colleges. Interested students can register through the Virtual University (VU) link at https://www.vu.edu.pk/GraduateTest/.
The decision for this extension was made in a virtual meeting with Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Heads of Departments of Computer Science/IT from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The extension is intended to maximize student participation in the subject test, an opportunity that promises significant career advancement.
The Chairman of HEC has urged universities, particularly IT and Computer Science Departments, to ensure their 7th semester students are registered and prepared for the test. He emphasized the need for HEIs to nominate focal persons for effective communication regarding all test aspects. The initiative’s primary goal, he noted, is to equip IT graduates with essential skills, knowledge, and attributes to excel in the rapidly evolving IT industry.
Furthermore, the test will help identify academic and training gaps in fresh IT graduates, which could be addressed through specialized modules, apprenticeships, or bootcamps aligned with industry requirements.
HEC, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), aims to bridge the gap between IT industry and academia. This collaboration seeks to enhance the market readiness of IT students.
Qualifying students will be offered placements in top IT companies, including leading IT exporters in Pakistan through P@SHA, to gain hands-on experience on real-time projects. Additionally, qualifying candidates may receive credit hour exemptions in their 8th semester for electives or mandatory field experience. The industry placement program’s first session is set for Spring 2024. Successful candidates will have their credentials and recommendations featured on PSEB and P@SHA portals, accessible to a vast pool of IT companies, potentially leading to job offers.