The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has issued a notification, making a three-credit-hour course on artificial intelligence (AI) mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country, starting from the 2026 academic session.

According to the HEC, the directive applies to all public and private sector higher education institutions, and universities have been instructed to incorporate the compulsory AI course into their curricula without any delay.

The commission said that every undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme will include a mandatory three-credit-hour course on AI.

According to details, the course may be offered as an elective subject, an interdisciplinary course, or as a supporting subject within the programme structure.

It further emphasised that integrating AI into academic curricula will not merely be an addition but a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving world.

“In the fast-changing landscape of the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary force,” the HEC said.

It added that the inclusion of AI education aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use such tools in their respective fields, enhancing their academic and professional capabilities.