The University of Karachi has decided to introduce a semester-based examination system for its Associate Degree (AD) programs in Arts, Science, and Commerce—formerly known as BA, B.Sc, and B.Com—offered by affiliated public and private colleges.
This decision aligns with the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) policy to replace the traditional two-year graduation system with a standardized Associate Degree program across Pakistan.
Under the proposed system, students will take exams twice a year, each covering half the syllabus. The teaching period for each semester will span five months, followed by exams, making each semester six months long, including the examination phase.
The University of Karachi refers to this structure as “Biannual.” While most public universities in Pakistan have followed an annual examination system for AD programs over the past four years, Karachi University could become the first to adopt a semester-based approach.
Professor Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Secretary of the University’s Affiliation Committee, presented a report on the proposal, which Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi has included as an agenda item for the Academic Council meeting on December 3. If approved, the semester system will be introduced for new admissions in the AD programs at affiliated colleges.
