A recent study has highlighted a serious issue of declining enrollments in engineering programs across Pakistan. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), there has been a dramatic 76% drop in participants, falling from 16,005 in 2017 to just 3,895 in 2024.
This study was compiled by Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and Umar Ahmad Noor, and it shows a significant decrease in students taking pre-engineering courses. This decline is also affecting related fields like physics, computer science, and architecture.
The data from the Engineering Entrance Test (ETEA) at UET Peshawar further illustrates this problem, with a drop in applicants from 15,529 in 2018 to only 3,895 in 2024. The percentage of students enrolling in pre-engineering courses has decreased sharply, from 54% in 2015 to just 35% by 2023. This alarming trend indicates a critical need for intervention.
The report urges key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Planning and Development, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Pakistan Engineering Council, to take immediate action to address this issue.
The decline in engineering enrollments poses a serious threat to the future of engineering and technological development in the country. Without a sufficient number of engineering students, Pakistan may face challenges in maintaining and advancing its infrastructure, technology, and industrial sectors.
The study suggests several reasons for this decline, including a lack of awareness about the importance of engineering education, insufficient career guidance for students, and inadequate resources and facilities in educational institutions.
To combat this trend, the report recommends launching awareness campaigns to highlight the value of engineering education, improving the quality of engineering programs, and providing better career counseling for students.
Furthermore, it suggests enhancing the infrastructure and resources of educational institutions to make engineering courses more appealing and accessible. By taking these steps, the government and other stakeholders can help reverse the decline in engineering enrollments and ensure a steady supply of skilled engineers for the future.
