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 from the 2026 academic session.

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

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

As per the details, the course may be offered as an elective subject, an interdisciplinary course or as a supporting subject within the existing programme structure.

The HEC emphasised that integrating AI into academic curricula is not merely 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 commission said.

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