All govt universities to submit required data within one month; first-ever KP University Ranking List to be released in March 2026.
Peshawar, Jan 1, 2026: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a provincial-level university ranking system, becoming the first province in Pakistan to introduce a structured mechanism for evaluating higher education institutions.
Minister for Higher Education and Local Government Meena Khan Afridi formally approved the ranking framework after nearly a year of consultations, research, and technical work carried out by the Higher Education Department.
The government will release the first-ever KP University Ranking List in March 2026.
Officials said the new ranking system aims to raise academic standards, strengthen transparency and promote healthy competition among public sector universities across the province.
The Higher Education Department has directed all government universities to submit the required data within one month through a prescribed proforma.
The department developed the ranking framework after conducting a detailed review of internationally recognized systems, including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), along with the ranking criteria used by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC). Authorities adopted key indicators from these systems to align with provincial requirements.
Under the new system, the government will assess universities across multiple performance areas, including governance, research and development, academic excellence, financial management and fund generation, and student support services. Officials said the multi-dimensional evaluation will ensure a comprehensive and transparent assessment of each institution.
The KP government has also decided to link future financial grants to university performance under the ranking system. Better-performing institutions will receive additional funding and facilities, while universities with weaker performance will be encouraged to improve through targeted reforms.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Afridi said the initiative would play a vital role in improving the quality of higher education and ensuring accountability within universities. He emphasized that the ranking system would help align KP’s universities with national and international academic standards.
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