The University of Karachi (UoK) has revised its admission policies for PhD programs, reflecting the new guidelines set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). These changes, aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of doctoral programs, include raising the passing marks for the PhD admission test from 50 to 60. The updated policy aligns with the HEC’s latest PhD standards and introduces several significant modifications for aspiring scholars.
The admissions for MPhil and PhD programs are set to commence on June 23, with the admission test scheduled for July 28. The new academic session will begin on September 1. According to the revised policy, PhD candidates must now achieve at least 60 marks to pass the admission test. In contrast, the passing marks for the MPhil admission test remain unchanged at 50.
Professor Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Convener of the Postgraduate Studies Admission Committee at UoK, shared insights into the policy changes with Express-News. She emphasized that the updated criteria are designed to incorporate the HEC’s new PhD guidelines effectively. One notable change is the lowering of the CGPA requirement for MPhil admissions from 3 to 2.6, roughly equivalent to 70% marks. This adjustment aims to make the MPhil program more accessible to a broader range of applicants.
In addition to the increased passing marks, the publication requirements for PhD students have become more stringent. Candidates must now publish their research in an X-category journal or publish two research papers in Y-category journals to meet the new standards. Officials warned that failure to fulfill these publication requirements could prevent students from registering in the “Pakistan Country Directory” (PCD), which is essential for PhD candidates.
Dr. Anila also discussed aspects of the HEC’s policy that UoK chose not to adopt. Specifically, the university decided against the requirement to send PhD theses for evaluation to the top 500 ranked universities or two prominent professors. She explained that many leading professors in various disciplines are not available within the country, and not all top 500 universities offer every discipline. Consequently, UoK will send theses to developed countries for evaluation, ensuring rigorous academic scrutiny without adhering strictly to the HEC’s specified criteria.
For the first time, UoK has introduced interdisciplinary admissions at the MPhil and PhD levels. This innovative approach allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree in one faculty to apply for admission to another faculty, provided they meet the criteria set by the relevant Departmental Research Committee. Admitted students will be required to complete 9 to 12 credit hours of requisite courses, ensuring they possess the necessary foundational knowledge.
These changes signify UoK’s commitment to enhancing the quality of its postgraduate programs and aligning with international standards. The revised policies aim to attract a diverse pool of talented scholars and foster a robust research environment.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the University of Karachi’s official website for detailed information on the new admission criteria and application process. The university remains dedicated to providing transparent and timely updates to all applicants.
Contact Information:
University of Karachi
Website: www.uok.edu.pk
Admissions Office: 021-9926-1300
Social Media: @KarachiUniversity
With these significant updates, the University of Karachi is poised to offer an enhanced academic experience, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the global academic and research community.
