The Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) has announced the results of Pakistan’s first National Skills Competency Test (NSCT) 2026, providing the country’s first nationwide benchmark of information technology and computer science skills among university students.
According to HEC, more than:
🎓 40,000 students from 188 universities
registered for the assessment, while over:
💻 33,000 IT students
participated in the examination held on:
📅 April 4-5, 2026
Test Measures Key IT and Computer Science Skills
HEC said the NSCT was designed to evaluate students’ competencies in major computer science and information technology domains and identify areas that require further improvement.
The assessment findings provide universities with data to evaluate academic outcomes and align programs with industry requirements.
Students Performed Best in Web Development and AI
According to the report, students demonstrated the highest proficiency in:
| Skill Area | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Web Development Basics | 54.1% |
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | 50.8% |
| Software Engineering | 50.1% |
| Problem Solving and Analytics | 49.1% |
| Programming | 47.8% |
The results indicate relatively stronger performance in practical and emerging technology areas, particularly web development and artificial intelligence.
Cyber Security and Operating Systems Need Improvement
The assessment also identified several areas where students require additional training and academic support.
| Skill Area | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 47.2% |
| Database Systems | 42.3% |
| Data Structures and Algorithms | 40.2% |
| Computer Networks and Cloud Computing | 39.6% |
| Operating Systems | 33.8% |
HEC noted that these areas will require greater academic attention to better prepare graduates for evolving industry demands.
ICT Recorded the Highest Pass Rate
Region-wise performance showed significant variations across Pakistan.
Pass Rates by Region
| Region | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) | 52.9% |
| Sindh | 42.0% |
| Punjab | 39.4% |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 32.6% |
| Azad Jammu and Kashmir | 31.0% |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 30.2% |
| Balochistan | 29.0% |
Islamabad recorded the highest pass rate, while lower pass rates were observed in several provinces and regions.
Results Expected to Guide Curriculum Improvements
HEC said the NSCT findings will help universities:
- Identify skill gaps among students
- Review and improve curricula
- Strengthen practical IT education
- Better align academic programs with industry requirements
- Support workforce development in emerging technologies
The commission said the assessment represents an important step toward measuring and improving digital skills among university students as Pakistan continues to focus on developing a more competitive IT workforce.
