EDUCATION IN

PAKISTAN
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN
Meaning and definition of education
• Education is the transmission of knowledge, skills, and character traits
(‫)خصلتیں‬
• The origin of the word 'education' is from the Latin root educate.
'Educare' means 'to lead out or bring forth'. It implies that through
organized questions knowledge, understanding and the potential of
children have to be brought out.
Defination of education
• According to John Dewey "Education is the development of all those capacities
in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfil his
responsibilities.
• According to Heinrich "Education is natural harmonious and progressive
development of man's innate powers.
• Education means the bringing out of the ideas of universal validity which are
latent in the mind of every man. Socrates
• Education is a conscious and deliberate effort to create an atmosphere of
learning and the learning process so that learners are actively developing the
potential for him to have the spiritual strength of religious, self-control,
personality, intelligence, noble character, and the skills needed themselves and
society.
Objective of education in Pakistan
• To preserve the ideology of Pakistan within the Islamic ethos
(‫)اخالقیات‬ensured in the 1973 constitution
• To promote unity and patriotism and the desire for the welfare
state
• To preserve and promote cultural and ethical norms and religious
toleration
• To provide equal educational opportunities to all citizens of
Pakistan
• To create responsible members of society and global citizens
• To develop democratic and moral values
• To review confidence in public education systems by raising the
quality of education in government institutions
• To improve services of education governance and management
• To improve the quality of education particularly relevant to the
need of the economy
• To eradicate (‫ )مٹانا‬illiteracy within the shortest possible time
through different illiteracy programs
• To enable the individuals to earn their livelihood through skills
which further contribute to the national economy
Structure of Education system in
PAKISTAN
Pakistan follows centralized system of education and there is statutory
requirement for all schools and colleges to follow a national curriculum.
The system has adopted three-tier mode (8+4+4) with following distinct
stages:
1.1. Preschool education
1.2. Elementary education
1.3. Secondary education
1.4. Higher secondary Education
1.5. Tertiary education
Preschool education
• The preschool education contributes towards the time-bound
development of child. The young child is more flexible in the earlier
years. It helps to lay foundations of child’s basic cognitive, social,
emotional and personality structures. It is usually said that once these
psychological structure are shaped, it becomes difficult to change
them later. The early childhood is a developmental period that
extends from the end of infancy to about five years. A child of 3+
years is usually considered suitable for preschool education.
Types Of Development During Pre
Schooling
• There are four types of developments that are considered during pre
schooling:
• Social
• Emotional
• Physical
• Cognitive
Objectives of preschool education
• The major objectives of preschool education are as under:
• To help the child develop his or her potential to learn and grow.
• To provide an appropriate environment to ensure his or her safety
and holistic development.
• To use play way method and concrete experience in teaching and
learning.
• To prepare a child for formal schooling.
• To develop awareness of basic cultural values and norms.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

• The elementary education comprises two distinct

stages-
• Primary stage
• Middle stage
PRIMARY STAGE
• The primary stage (Grades: I-V) extends over five years (age 5+ to 9 or
10+). Net primary enrolment rate is 66%. The medium of instruction
in most of the schools is Urdu- the national language. There are
English-medium schools as well. However, the curriculum for primary
classes is almost the same throughout the country. The major focus of
this stage is on basic mathematical and literacy skills, appreciation of
traditions and values, and socialization. Promotion to next class
depends on the result of the school examinations. Primary schooling
is being made compulsory through appropriate legislation.
Middle stage
• The Middle stage (Grades: VI-VIII) is of three years duration
and is offered in schools either having primary or secondary
classes. The curriculum is common for males and females as
well as for urban and rural dwellers. The focus of this stage is
to strengthen foundations of first and second languages,
mathematics and science and developing understanding of
family, community, environment, health and nutrition.
Provincial Education Departments as well as schools conduct
terminal examination at this stage. Middle level enrolment
rate is 47.5%.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
• Secondary Education consists of two stages-
• Secondary and Higher Secondary
Secondary Education
• The secondary education is of two years duration comprising Grades:
IX-X. It covers 13-15 years group of children. There is a Secondary
Schools Certificate (SSC) examination at the end of the tenth class and
is conducted by the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education
throughout the country. The medium of instruction in most of schools
is Urdu, except in English medium schools. Streaming of children
starts at this stage. Students opt for a group of their choice such as
Science, Humanities, and Technical. Urdu, English, Pakistan Studies,
Islamic Studies and Mathematics are compulsory subjects. A group of
three elective subjects determines the specified stream.
Higher Secondary Stage
The higher secondary education (Grades XI-XII) is imparted at
both Intermediate Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools. The
students follow two years program of study at higher secondary level,
which lead to the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) and is a
pre-requisite for entrance to university or an institution of higher
education. The medium of instruction in science subjects is mostly
English. The Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education at the
end of 11th & 12th grades conduct the examinations for higher
secondary school certificates.
 Tertiary education
• Tertiary education in Pakistan refers to post-secondary education and includes a wide range of
educational opportunities beyond the completion of secondary schooling. Tertiary education in
Pakistan typically encompasses colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions where
students pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certifications. Here are some
key aspects of tertiary education in Pakistan:

• 1. Types of Institutions:
• - Universities: Pakistan has a large number of universities, both public and private, offering a variety
of programs in various fields of study. Some of the well-known public universities include the
University of the Punjab, Karachi University, and Quaid-e-Azam University, while private universities
like Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Aga Khan University also provide quality
education.
 - Colleges: Colleges in Pakistan often offer two-year undergraduate programs leading to an associate degree.
These are typically affiliated with universities and serve as a bridge between secondary and tertiary education.

- Technical and Vocational Institutes: Pakistan has various technical and vocational institutions that offer
specialized training and education in technical and vocational fields. These programs are designed to prepare
students for careers in areas like engineering, computer science, and skilled trades.

2. Degrees and Programs: Tertiary education in Pakistan offers a wide range of degree programs, including
bachelor's degrees (e.g., BA, BSc, BCom), master's degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, MBA), and doctoral degrees (Ph.D.).
Pakistan also offers specialized professional degrees in fields such as medicine (MBBS), engineering (BEng), and
law (LLB).

3. Admission and Entry Requirements: Admission to tertiary institutions in Pakistan is typically based on merit,
with universities and colleges setting their own admission criteria. Students may need to pass an entrance test
or meet certain academic requirements. Many universities also use a centralized admission test known as the
Higher Education Commission's (HEC) Education Testing Council (ETC) test.

4. Quality Assurance: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is responsible for regulating and
maintaining the quality of higher education in the country. It assesses and ranks universities, enforces quality
standards, and provides funding for research and development.
5. Challenges: Tertiary education in Pakistan faces challenges such as inadequate funding,
insufficient infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified faculty. There is also a need for
more research and innovation in higher education institutions.

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Various scholarships and financial aid programs are
available to help students pursue tertiary education in Pakistan. These include
government scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and need-based financial assistance.

7. Online Education: With the advent of digital technology, online education is becoming
increasingly popular in Pakistan. Many universities and institutions offer online courses
and degree programs, providing more flexibility to students.

Tertiary education in Pakistan plays a crucial role in preparing students for their careers
and contributing to the country's socio-economic development. It is an important part of
the education system and offers diverse opportunities for higher learning and skill
development.