The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has not issued fresh university rankings for almost ten years. The last official ranking was published in 2015, and since then, no updated list has been released. This long gap has left students, parents, and even universities uncertain about their standing in the education sector. For many, the absence of reliable data has made admission choices more difficult.
Why Do HEC University Rankings Matter?
HEC university rankings are not just numbers; they are a guide for students and parents. These rankings help students decide which universities to apply to, build the reputation of institutions at a national and international level, and encourage competition among universities to improve their teaching and research standards. Without updated HEC rankings, students are forced to rely on outdated data, private rankings, or word of mouth, which may not always reflect true academic performance.
The Last Published HEC Rankings (2015)
The most recent official list was released in 2015. It placed Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad in 1st place, the University of Punjab, Lahore in 2nd place, and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad in 3rd place. Since then, no updates have been made available, and the same list still appears on several official portals.
HEC Yet to Release University Rankings After 2021
There were expectations that new rankings would be published around 2021, but that did not happen. HEC officials explained that they were working on an improved methodology for ranking universities. However, the delay has continued into 2025, and students are still waiting for the official announcement.
University Ranking in Pakistan 2025 – What to Expect?
As 2025 progresses, education experts believe that HEC may soon release a fresh list of university rankings in Pakistan. The revised system is likely to focus more on research output and publications, quality of teaching and learning, employability of graduates, and international collaborations and recognition. Students are hoping that the upcoming HEC university ranking 2025 will finally provide a clear picture of the best institutions across the country.
Iqra University Ranking in HEC
Iqra University, known for its programs in business and media sciences, was ranked among the top private institutions in earlier lists. However, its current HEC ranking remains unclear due to the lack of updated data. Many students still recognize Iqra University as one of the leading private universities in Karachi, but an official confirmation from HEC is still awaited.
Virtual University Ranking in HEC
The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU), a pioneer in online education, has not been featured prominently in the outdated 2015 HEC rankings. Yet, during the past decade, VU has expanded its reach across Pakistan, offering accessible education through technology. Students are expecting a better ranking position once HEC updates its list.
Superior University Ranking in HEC
Superior University, located in Lahore, has gained popularity for its business and IT programs. While it has received recognition in private surveys, its official position in HEC rankings is still missing due to the delay. Many education observers believe it could secure a good spot in the upcoming ranking list because of its rapid growth and research initiatives.
University of South Asia Ranking in HEC
The University of South Asia (USA) in Lahore is another institution affected by the missing rankings. Students and parents looking for its official standing in HEC’s list cannot find updated information. The university has made improvements in faculty and research over the years, but without a new ranking system, its status remains uncertain.
IISAT University Ranking
IISAT University, a relatively newer player in Pakistan’s higher education sector, also awaits its first official recognition in HEC rankings. With the delay in updates, prospective students have no official reference point to assess the university’s quality or competitiveness.
HEC W4 Category Universities List
Another important aspect of HEC’s evaluation system is the W4 category universities list. W4 is considered the highest standard of recognition for a university, based on strong research, qualified faculty, and advanced infrastructure. However, because no updated list has been released, students and institutions do not know which universities currently fall under this category in 2025.
The Impact of Delayed Rankings
The absence of updated HEC university rankings has created several challenges: students struggle to identify which universities truly offer the best education, parents cannot rely on a trusted guide before making financial and academic decisions, and universities lack a benchmark to compare themselves against competitors. In short, the delay has caused confusion and reduced transparency in Pakistan’s higher education system.
HEC’s Response
According to an HEC spokesperson, the commission is currently working on updating the university rankings with a more advanced evaluation system. Once finalized, the new rankings will be published online. However, no clear timeline has been provided, leaving students and parents still waiting for clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did HEC last release official university rankings in Pakistan?
The last HEC rankings were released in 2015.
Q2: Which university was ranked number one in HEC rankings?
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, was ranked first in the 2015 list.
Q3: Why has HEC not released new rankings?
HEC says it is working on updating its methodology, but no timeline has been shared.
Q4: Will there be new university rankings in 2025?
Yes, HEC has announced plans to release fresh rankings, but the exact date is not confirmed.
Q5: Do private universities like Iqra and Superior appear in HEC rankings?
Yes, private universities are included, but the latest official positions are not available until HEC updates the list.
Conclusion
The HEC university rankings play a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s education landscape. The fact that no rankings have been published for over a decade highlights a major gap in higher education planning. From Iqra University to the Virtual University, from Superior University to the University of South Asia, every institution and student community is waiting for official recognition. As 2025 continues, students hope that the HEC will finally release an updated ranking list that reflects today’s educational standards. Until then, many are left with uncertainty, relying on outdated lists and unofficial surveys.
