The Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has abolished the two-year associate degree program in all public colleges and initiated Bachelor of Science (BS) programs starting from this academic year.
According to a circular issued on October 12, the department has directed the administration of the colleges to close admission in the associate degree program and enroll students in the four-year bachelor's program in the upcoming admission session.
According to experts, this bold step aims to align the educational system with international standards and offer students a more in-depth learning experience.
For students who are currently enrolled in the two-year associate degree program, there is a silver lining. They will be allowed to continue their studies and complete their degrees.
For 4-year degree program, the provincial education department has included all general and commerce colleges that will offer admission to the students.
The background of these associate degree programs dates back to 2012 and 2013 when BS degrees were not yet formally integrated into college prospectuses.
The program was given an extension twice owing to the lack of infrastructure, faculties, and laboratories in the colleges.
In addition to this transformation, college principals have been directed to approach the relevant directorate to seek approval for offering admissions in the BS programs, thus ensuring a seamless implementation of the new educational landscape.