The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of IT students, as reported by ProPakistani on February 4, 2026. The National Skill Competency Test, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and P@SHA, is designed to align university education with the global technology industry's needs. According to ProPakistani, the test is available to students in the 7th and 8th semesters of IT-related programs such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, free of charge. High-performing candidates will receive a joint certificate from HEC, PSEB, and P@SHA, and will be included in a national talent pool accessible to both local and international employers. Additionally, these students will earn one academic credit and gain priority access to internships and international certification opportunities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that Pakistani IT graduates are industry-ready and competitive on a global scale.