PTBP Web Desk
Punjab’s public sector universities are witnessing a significant drop in student admissions this year, causing alarm among educators and policymakers about the future of higher education in the province.
According to official data from the Punjab Higher Education Department, enrollment in undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs has fallen by 20% to 30% across many institutions. Leading universities such as Punjab University Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad, and Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan have recorded fewer admissions than anticipated. Meanwhile, smaller universities in districts like Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Narowal are struggling even more, with vacant seats in popular programs.
Many experts link this worrying decline to multiple factors, chief among them being economic difficulties. Inflation and rising costs have made university education less affordable, especially for students from rural and low-income urban families.
Prof. Dr. Munawar Sabir, former chairman of Punjab University’s Geography Department, said, “This trend points to a deep crisis in our education system. Even public universities, which were traditionally affordable, have become costly when you consider expenses like hostels, transportation, and study materials.”
Parents echo these concerns. Shamsa Bibi, a resident of a village near Narowal, shared her experience: “My son performed well in his intermediate exams, but we had to let go of his university plans. Now he works in a factory because we cannot afford the additional expenses.”
Another significant reason behind the admission drop is the outdated nature of many university degree programs. Many institutions continue to teach syllabi and formats that have not evolved for decades.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad Ali highlighted this issue: “The job market has transformed drastically, but many universities still offer degrees that do not equip students with relevant, employable skills. Students see little value in spending years on education that doesn’t lead to jobs.”
This mismatch between academic offerings and market demands is driving students towards skill-based diplomas, short-term professional courses, and online certifications, which are perceived as faster routes to employment.
The rise of freelancing, digital entrepreneurship, and gig economy jobs has further shifted priorities among young people. Many now prefer learning digital and IT skills over pursuing traditional degree programs.
Although some universities have introduced new courses in Information Technology, Data Science, and Business Innovation, these efforts are limited and inconsistent across Punjab’s higher education landscape. Career counseling remains inadequate, and very few institutions have strong links with industries to facilitate job placement for graduates.
The decline in MPhil and PhD admissions is particularly troubling for university faculty and academic circles. Experts warn that reduced enrolment in research degrees could slow down academic progress and innovation in Punjab.
Education experts are urging the provincial government to take immediate and targeted action to reverse these trends. Recommended measures include:
- Providing subsidized or free transportation for students to reduce travel costs.
- Increasing scholarship programs aimed at low-income and rural students.
- Lowering fees for entry tests to make admissions more accessible.
- Simplifying the online admission process for smoother enrollment.
- Overhauling curricula to better align academic programs with industry needs and future job market trends.
Such reforms are critical to restoring confidence in public sector universities and ensuring that students see value in pursuing higher education.
