ETC to replace NTS for conducting universities admission test

Islamabad: In a step that will be welcomed in the academic circles of Pakistan and outside, the chairperson of Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the development of the first government testing body named Education Testing Council (ETC).

According to HEC chairperson, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, ETC will be responsible for holding free, standardized tests for admissions in universities from January 2017.

For the aspirants and those looking to apply for a government job, ETC is indeed a great blessing. This testing service is free and will serve as an admirable substitute to the National Testing Service (NTS).

About Education Testing Council

At first, HEC will conduct tests for undergraduate programs and after that it will expand the testing service for MS and PhD admissions. The result of these tests will be valid for two years and it would also assist the individuals apply for government jobs that needs NTS qualification.

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“The establishment of this testing council is part of Government’s efforts to accomplish the targets of Vision 2025, which is a roadmap for the development of country in all spheres”, said Chairman HEC.

Dr Mukhtar also said that all government and private sector universities of the country will be adopting ETC entry tests for admissions after the introduction of this testing council next year.

The government of Pakistan will bear all the expenses in this regard. The tests will be held twice in a year after the launching of this testing council.

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NTS Vs ETC

National Testing Service required a standard fee from aspirants. Rather than serving the needs of students who wished to get ahead on merit, NTS body proved to be a money-maker for those at the helm of its affairs, leading to claims of favoritism and corruption surrounding the testing body.

Moreover, it is expected that ETC marks a new chapter in Pakistan as far as academia and merit is concerned, leading to exceptional transparency crosswise the board. The adoption of testing mechanism of international standard will expectantly increase the bad ranking for higher education worldwide.