The Higher Education Commission (HEC) announced on Friday the extension of the registration deadline for a centralized test facilitating placements in leading IT companies in Pakistan.
According to state news agency, students aiming to take the test scheduled for January 7 now have until January 3, 2024, to complete their registration.
Students in their seventh semester pursuing Computer Science or IT-related disciplines at recognized public and private sector universities, as well as affiliated/constituent colleges, are strongly encouraged to register through the “Graduate Test” option on the Virtual University (VU) website, said the HEC.
This decision to prolong the registration period resulted from a virtual meeting involving Vice Chancellors/Rectors and Heads of Departments of Computer Science/IT from various public and private sector higher education institutions (HEIs). The objective is to ensure maximum participation from eligible students.
HEC Chairman emphasized the importance for universities, particularly IT and Computer Science Departments, to facilitate the registration of seventh-semester students for the upcoming test.
The primary goal of this initiative is to equip IT graduates with the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes required in the dynamic IT industry.
Furthermore, the test serves a dual purpose for the regulatory body. It not only aids in identifying academic and training gaps in fresh IT graduates but also allows for the development of specialized modules, apprenticeships, or boot camps aligned with industry requirements.
In collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), HEC aims to bridge the gap between the IT industry and academia.
The focus is on enhancing the market readiness of IT students.
Successful candidates in the test will be placed in renowned IT companies, including top exporters in Pakistan, through P@SHA. This placement provides an opportunity for hands-on experience with real-time projects. Furthermore, qualifying students may be eligible for credit hours exemption in the eighth semester, either against electives or mandatory field experience.
The spring of 2024 marks the inception of the industry placement program.
Upon completion of the cooperative program, the credentials of successful candidates, along with recommendations, will be featured on PSEB and P@SHA portals, offering access to a wide array of IT companies and potential job offers.
