The Outcome Based Education (OBE) Implementation Committee of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has finalised and recommended Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for undergraduate degree programmes that do not fall under the purview of any accreditation or regulatory council. After approval by the Commission, the governing body of HEC, the recommended PLOs will be circulated among all higher education institutions (HEIs).
Maiden Meeting of OBE Implementation Committee
The OBE Implementation Committee held its first meeting under the convenorship of Prof. Engr. Dr Samreen Hussain. The committee sanctioned the Programme Learning Outcomes, along with an implementation approach and Working Group Terms of Reference (ToRs), as an initial step towards the execution of Outcome Based Education across all disciplines.
Two Distinct Sets of PLOs
The committee considered and recommended two distinct sets of PLOs for undergraduate degree programmes not currently under any accreditation or regulatory council. One set is designed for Natural, Human & Social Science disciplines, while the other set is tailored for Art, Design & Media disciplines. Both sets are benchmarked against national and international frameworks to ensure consistency and comparability of graduate quality.
According to details from the meeting, the committee emphasised the importance of aligning Pakistan's higher education outcomes with global standards. The PLOs are intended to provide clear guidelines for universities to develop curricula that meet defined learning objectives, thereby enhancing the employability and skills of graduates.
Implementation Approach and Next Steps
The committee also approved an implementation approach that outlines how HEIs will adopt the PLOs. The Working Group Terms of Reference (ToRs) were established to oversee the rollout and monitor progress. Once the Commission approves the PLOs, they will be formally communicated to all universities and degree-awarding institutions across Pakistan.
This initiative is part of HEC's broader effort to reform higher education by shifting from traditional content-based education to an outcome-based model, which focuses on what students are expected to know and be able to do upon graduation. The move is expected to improve the quality and relevance of undergraduate programmes, particularly in fields not covered by existing accreditation councils.
