On this page
- Purposes and Principles of the Policy
- Accessibility Committee and Disability Coordinators
- Admissions, Entrance Exams, and Financial Aid
- Process for Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Policy for Students with Disabilities?
- Are students with disabilities eligible for fee waivers?
- What age relaxation is provided for students with disabilities?
- Helpful Resources
The Policy for Students with Disabilities has been officially issued and amended by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to ensure equal educational opportunities across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan.
📋 Quick Summary
| Organization / Board | HEC Pakistan |
| Announcement | Policy for Students with Disabilities 2021 (Amended) |
| Affected students | Students with disabilities at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan |
| Important date | September 30, 2021 |
| Current status | Officially confirmed |
Purposes and Principles of the Policy
The Policy for Students with Disabilities is designed to eliminate regulatory, physical, organizational, academic, and social obstacles at public and private HEIs. It mandates that no student shall face discrimination at any stage of their academic or professional pursuits based on any disability.
Accessibility Committee and Disability Coordinators
Under the policy guidelines, HEIs are required to establish a standing Accessibility Committee comprising five members, including the Director Student Affairs or a senior faculty member as Chair, faculty representatives, a student body member, a medical/psychological representative, and a secretary. Additionally, Vice Chancellors must designate two non-student members as Disability Coordinators to act as liaisons and guide students.
Admissions, Entrance Exams, and Financial Aid
The policy outlines specific provisions regarding admissions and examinations:
- Admission forms must include sections for disability disclosure and accommodation needs without causing any adverse impact on the application process.
- Entrance exams must provide reasonable accommodations such as extra time, modified papers including Braille or large print, accessible formats, and separate invigilation.
- Students with disabilities may qualify for age relaxation of up to ten years, dedicated quotas, reservation of at least one seat for MS/MPhil and PhD programmes in public sector universities, and financial aid including fee waivers based on a needs-based system.
Process for Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
HEIs have an anticipatory duty to provide necessary accommodations in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, cafeterias, and sports centres. Websites and student portals must conform to level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Students can request accommodations during orientation or course commencement by presenting valid medical certificates or Disability Certificates issued by relevant rehabilitation councils or NADRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Policy for Students with Disabilities?
It is a binding HEC policy issued for all public and private HEIs in Pakistan to ensure inclusive education, physical accessibility, and academic accommodations for students with disabilities.
Are students with disabilities eligible for fee waivers?
Yes, needy students with disabilities qualify for fee waivers covering tuition, hostel, and utility charges under a needs-based system aligned with standards like the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program.
What age relaxation is provided for students with disabilities?
Eligible students qualify for age relaxation of up to ten years for admission to all educational programmes.
📄 Download the official notification (PDF)
Helpful Resources
Source: UoB Quetta – official notification
