Engineering Education in Pakistan
Schooling in Pakistan is of twelve years from Kg1 to Matric/ O levels. There are two educational tracks after secondary schooling in Pakistan; the first one is pre engineering/ A Levels studies and the second is diploma of associate engineering (DAE) in a particular field. Pre-Engineering/ A Levels is two years studies post-secondary schooling whereas DAE is three years’ program. Diploma holders get equivalency of pre-engineering degree (FSc) from Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (https://ibcc.edu.pk/ ).
Most of the engineering universities in Pakistan don’t accept diploma holders in engineering programs however there are some limited seats in each engineering university for these diploma holders.
Engineering Studies: Engineering in Pakistan is 4 years’ degree after completion of pre-engineering studies and is governed by Pakistan Engineering Council (https://pec.org.pk/ ). Different universities use different titles for engineering degrees which are BE and BS which are same. After successful completion of engineering degree, graduate engineers get registered with PEC and they are entitled to use engr title with their names. Only those engineers are registered with PEC who graduated with PEC accredited engineering university. These engineers can use engr title with their names and practice in their field of specialization but they cannot work as technical consultant. After minimum five years of professional experience with any public or private sector organization, these registered engineers can attempt professional engineering exam (EPE Exam) held twice a year by PEC. Engineers who pass EPE can apply for professional engineer title and undergo an interview with panel of professionals. Passing engineers are entitled with professional engineer title and they can work as technical consultants in their area of specialization.
Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE):
Some of diploma holders successfully get admission in engineering universities and chose engineering paths as outlined above whereas remaining individuals opt BTech and BS Technology program. Both BTech and BS Technology programs are being offered online, on campus and hybrid mode. In most cases, students only attempt papers after private/self-study but some universities have now started offering weekend classes for BTech and BS Programs. Diploma, BTech and BS Technology are governed by National Technology Council of Pakistan (https://www.ntc-hec.org.pk/ ). They are technologists and cannot use engr title with their names.
