HEC denounces NTS as the approved testing body for admissions in Pakistani Universities

NTS - that has been conducting Admission tests like NAT, GAT-General, GAT-Subject and GAT-Law for admissions to various undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in the Pakistani Universities - has been denounced from conducting any further such tests by the HEC (Higher Education Commission). Ever since the establishment of HEC in 2002, the NTS has been reporting itself as an approved "National Testing Service" by the HEC and using the HEC logo in this connection from time to time for conducting its affairs.

The HEC has directed the universities that it is not mandatory for them to accept NTS Tested Candidates for the purpose of admission and that the universities are now at their will to conduct admission tests. They (the Pakistani Universities) can now conduct admission tests either at their own or still contract any third-party including NTS for the purpose of conducting admission tests, which if done would be a legal private contractual arrangement. The Punjab University has already announced that it will not accept NTS for admissions.

Cutt-off Date for conducting NAT revised by Lahore High Court

The directives from the HEC came in light of the decision of the Lahore High Court passed in the Case of Writ Petition 28028 / 2011.

It is held by the LHC, Lahore that NTS has not been approved by HEC to act as testing body under the HEC Ordinance, 2002 and the existing arrangements between NTS and HEC shall only continue till 30.05.2014 (cut of date) HEC shall not enter with NTS after the said cut of date.

But now the cutt off date has been revised by Lahore High Court from 30.05.2014 to 30.09.2014.

However, the HEC has also said that the previous admissions granted or refused on the basis of NTS Tests (prior to September 30th, 2014) shall not be affected by this decision.
Source: www.hec.gov.pk