Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR)

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Overview

Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR) was launched in 2017 and is linked to HEC initiatives such as the attestation system of degrees awarded by the universities. PQR is an online database that contains information regarding accredited higher qualifications and institutions recognized by HEC of universities including their sub-campuses and affiliated as well as constituent colleges. PQR is aimed to provide clearly defined levels of knowledge, skills, and competencies to be acquired by every graduate.

Instructions/Procedure for Degree/Transcript Attestation from HEC

  1. The applicant is required to apply through weblink and submit the online application form. General Instructions for form filling on E-Services Portal is available at here
    For updating the Educational Details at E-Services Portal, please ensure the following specific steps:
    1. Select the right Qualification Level of the Degree you want to get attested
      For Example
      For Bachelor (Hons) degree Select Level_6 - Bachelor (16 Years) Degree
      For Master (16 Years) degree Select Level_6 - Master (16 Years) Degree
    2. Select the Title as written on the awarded degree
      For Example
      If the title written on the degree is Bachelor of Business Administration and on the transcript is BBA then select Bachelor of Business Administration
    3. There might be more than one entry in PQR for a degree program such as BA, B.A, Bachelor of Arts, MBA, Master of Business Administration, M.B.A etc. Please select each degree program and then check the name of your college/campus under the relevant tab.
    4. Selection of Wrong Campus/College name or title of the program leads to the rejection of an application from Degree Attestation Division of Higher Education Commission.
    5. Main Campus, University of Sargodha is added in PQR as Jinnah campus
    6. Approval of a program has three (3) steps:
      Step 1)
      Approval of Campus/College name from PQR Team, Higher Education Commission
      Step 2)
      Approval of Department name from PQR Team, Higher Education Commission
      Step 3)
      Approval of Program name from PQR Team, Higher Education Commission
      Thereafter, the college/campus name will be visible on the degree attestation portal (E-Services Portal) at the applicant's end.
    7. In case campus details are available in PQR as approved status and the applicant is still facing the issue, please follow the above-mentioned steps for correct Form Filling.
  2. Procedure for Degree Attestation
    After successful submission of the online application form by applicants, the following procedure is followed:
    Step-1:
    Initial online Scrutiny of application at HEC
    1. The application will be initially scrutinized online by HEC and If the application is found complete then applicants are informed via SMS and email;
    2. If any deficiency is found in the application then the applicant is asked via SMS and email to resubmit the case after meeting deficiencies. A task is assigned to applicant in “Task Assigned to me” section at eservices account.
    Step-2:
    Scheduling of Date & Time or Upload Courier Receipt: After successful scrutiny, the applicant will be informed via SMS & email for:
    1. Schedule his visit as per availability of time slot, if applied through walk-in mode;
    2. OR
    3. Upload Courier Receipt after submitting documents at designated courier company, if applied through Courier Service:
      A task is assigned to the applicant in the “Task Assigned to me” section at eservices account.
    1. Scheduling of Data & Time (Walk-in Mode):
      1. In this case the applicant will personally schedule his visit for attestation of his documents or through authorize person and will bring all his original documents along with a copy of the same, Bank challan form, and a printout of the application form for same-day attestation at the selected office.
      2. After first scheduling, if an applicant cannot find time to visit HEC offices for attestation, the applicant can re-schedule his visit.
      3. On a visit to HEC, the applicant will take tokens from the Token machine and submit them at designated windows.
      4. After checking of the original documents, applicant will deposit the fee submit hand over the case to HEC staff at the designated window;
      5. After the due necessary procedure, documents will be returned on the same day.
    2. Upload Courier Receipt (Attestation through Courier Service)
      1. After Successful scrutiny, an applicant will receive an SMS & email for submission of the case at the nearest office of the designated courier company and upload Courier Receipt. TCS is a designated courier company for applicants living within the country and applicants living abroad will forward a case to the designated office of Gerry’s FedEx in Islamabad.
      2. The applicant is required to hand over all original educational documents, a copy of CNIC, a printout of the application, other relevant documents along with Attestation Fee & Courier Charges to the designated office of the courier company.
      3. A receipt will be given to the applicant by the representative of Courier Company and the same will be uploaded by the applicant by claiming task in the “My Task” section after log-in at eservices account.
      4. After receiving the attestation case at HEC, it will take at least ten (10) working days.
      5. After completion of the procedure at HEC, an applicant will be informed via SMS and email about the return of documents

Backdated NOC/One-time Degree Attestation List

Approved list of Backdated NOC/One Time Attestation of MPhil/PhD or Equivalent Programs is available under the following links.

  1. In case the name of the student is not available in the approved list of One-Time Attestation of degrees, please email the copy of the degree and transcript at [email protected] for inclusion.


Title Date Download
Remaining Updated list of Students for One Time Attestation of Degrees 30-05-2022 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Affiliated Colleges 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Affiliated Colleges 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval College of Agriculture 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval College of Agriculture 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus - Lyallpur, Faisalabad 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus - Lyallpur, Faisalabad 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus - Women Campus, Faisalabad 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus - Women Campus, Faisalabad 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, Gujranwala 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, Gujranwala 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, Lahore 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, Lahore 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, MBD 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation approval PPP Campus, MBD 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Sub Campus Bhakhar 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Sub Campus Bhakhar 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Sub Campus Mianwali 2014 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Sub Campus Mianwali 2015 19-12-2021 Download
One-Time Degree Attestation Approval Sub Campus Mianwali 2016 19-12-2021 Download

Degree Equivalence Certificate from Higher Education Commission


  1. The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has launched online facility for equivalence of degrees awarded by Pakistani universities and degree awarding institutions to facilitate the graduates. as no manual applications for equivalence of Pakistani degrees will be accepted henceforth.

  2. This is a completely paperless system, and the applicants will no longer be required to visit HEC offices or send their documents to HEC for equivalence of their qualifications. They can apply from their homes by creating online profile at 'eservices.hec.gov.pk' and upload HEC attested educational documents from Bachelor's onwards along with paid fee challan.

  3. The applications will be processed through an online system, and the applicants will be issued system-generated equivalence letters through email.The new equivalence portal is a robust and hassle-free system, embedded with all the security features.
  4. Besides, applicants will be intimated about the status of their applications at every stage through system-generated emails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


  1. For Degree/Transcript Attestation from HEC
    Answer:
    I have forgotten my password of HEC account as well as password of e-mail account entered in HEC profile. Please use option of forget password available on here for recovery of your password. However, if you have not only forgotten the password of your account at eservice but also don't have access to primary email on which the verification code was sent, then please send scanned copies of CNIC (front & back sides) and scan signature as on CNIC (in single pdf file) through HEC complaint system at here
    Do the Regional Centers of the HEC at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta attest degrees? Yes, the HEC Regional Centers situated at Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta provide complete attestation services.
    Does the HEC seal documents for Foreign Evaluation Agencies e.g WES, ICAS, etc? Yes, only the HEC attested documents are sealed on the request of applicant and handed over to the applicant for onward submission to the relevant agency.
    How can I fill the form for attestation of Equivalence Certificates issued by HEC? Please apply at here for attestation of Foreign Equivalence Certificate issued by the HEC. Please select relevant country from drop down list that has awarded the degree and then select name of concerned university. Please write program title as per Equivalence Certificate.
    What should I do if I don't find the nomenclature of my degree program while filling in the online application form? Please search your degree program in the drop down menu as an extensive list of the degree nomenclatures has been provided. If your degree nomenclature is not available then please contact focal person of your university for inclusion of nomenclature. You can also choose "add missing program" option available in online application form and submit your request for addition of your degree nomenclature.
    I have lost my degree attested from HEC. What should I do for the attestation of my duplicate degree? The degree holder himself or through authorized person through authorize courier service can apply for attestation of duplicate degree/transcript subject to fulfillment of the following conditions:
    1. Applicant has to provide/submit the affidavit for loss of his degree and issuance of duplicate degree by his/her university. Sample of affidavit may be obtained by adding a complaint ticket at onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
    2. The word duplicate must be written on the face of duplicate degree/transcript.
    3. The applicant or his authorized person (if applied through authorized person) will have to fill the prescribed form and provide copies of CNIC and degree/transcript.
    I have got revised my already attested degree/transcript (from HEC). What should I do for the attestation of revised degree/transcript? The degree holder himself or through authorized person or through authorize courier service can apply for attestation of revised degree/transcript subject to fulfillment of the following conditions:
    1. Applicant has to provide/submit the affidavit about revision of his transcript/degree. Sample of affidavit may be obtained by adding a complaint ticket at onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
    2. The word Revised must be written on the face of Revised degree/transcript.
    3. The applicant or his authorized person (if applied through authorized person) will have to fill the prescribed form and provide copies of CNIC and degree/transcript.
    What documents are required for attestation of degrees/transcripts awarded by the HEC recognized universities and Degree Awarding Institutions? Please visit the Attestation web-link.
    Does HEC attests Matric and Intermediate Certificates? No, Matric and Intermediate Certificates (Asnaad) are attested by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC).
    Does HEC attests laminated degrees/transcripts? No, the applicants are advised to remove lamination from the degrees/transcripts and then apply for attestation.
    Does HEC attests transcripts for incomplete studies? Yes, transcripts for incomplete studies signed by the Controller of Exams of the respective university are attested, provided that word Incomplete is clearly mentioned on Transcript.
    Is it necessary for the applicant to come in person for attestation? No, it is not necessary for the degree holder to come in person. He/she can get degrees attested through authorized person by giving Authority letter or through authorized Courier Service.
    How much time does HEC take for attestation of documents? Degree(s)/transcript(s) presented at HEC, in person or through authorized person on scheduled date and time, are attested on the same day. However, if documents are sent for attestation through designated courier company (Local), the case will be processed on first come first serve basis. The time taken for attestation and return of documents depends on the number of applications received during said period.
    Does HEC attest foreign degrees? No, foreign degrees are not attested by the HEC. However, the HEC determines their equivalence and Equivalence letter can be attested, if requested by the applicant.
    Does HEC attest "Bonafide Student Certificates" or "To Whom It May Concern" certificates issued by the universities? No, "Bonafide Student Certificates" or "To Whom It May Concern" certificates are not attested by the HEC.
    How is passport number entered in the online application form? Enter only digits part of passport e.g. 783296. Only foreigners can be registered at eservice through passport. All Pakistani nationals are required to register through their CNIC numbers.
    I have wrongly entered my educational details. What should I do for its modification before attestation? Applicant can modify/update information before attestation of his/her documents. The applicant can modify/update information by signing in HEC attestation Profile.
    I got objection from embassy regarding attestation of HEC. What should I do? Please visit HEC office personally or through authorized person along with all Original documents as well as CNIC in order to examine and process the case.
    Embassy is asking for re-verification of already attested degree. What should I do? HEC online attestation is for life time. So, there is no need for re-verification.
    I have changed my name after marriage. Now my name includes my husband's name instead of my father's name. Resultantly, my name on CNIC and my educational documents is different. Can my documents be processed for attestation with different name on CNIC and educational documents? Such cases for attestation are processed for attestation subject to provision of suitable documentary evidence by applicants showing that her name before marriage was same as written on her educational documents.
    I had applied for document attestation through courier service but my documents are returned unattested. What is the status of my deposited fees, and how can I get a Refund? If your documents are returned un-attested, then please immediately request courier company for a refund. Moreover, please apply afresh and re-submit your case, after removing objections, along with new application form.
  2. For Equivalence Certificate/Letter of Local Degrees by HEC
    Answer:
    What is the procedure for getting equivalence during the COVID-19 pandemic? Filling of online application on HEC Portal: here and send their original as well as photocopies of all the relevant documents to "Local Equivalence Section, A&A Division, Higher Education Commission, H-9, Islamabad" through TCS service.
    What is the procedure to get equivalence of a local/Pakistani degree? Applicant apply through HEC online Portal: here
    Can Regional Centers of HEC issue Equivalence Letter? No, HEC Regional Centers are not authorized to issue equivalence letters.
    How can I submit documents for local equivalence?
    1. Apply through HEC online Portal: here.
    2. Deposit Rs.2000/- (non-refundable) on the attached Challan form in HEC online bank account.
    3. Attach Bachelor and onward original degrees and transcripts and a photocopy set of the same plus photocopy of CNIC along with the application form and send it through TCS courier service to "Local Equivalence Section, A&A Division, Higher Education Commission, H-9, Islamabad".
    What is the processing fee for equivalence of Pakistani Degree/Diploma/Certificate and how to deposit the fee? Rs. 2000/- (non-refundable) is charged for equivalence of Pakistani degree (PhD/MPhil/MS/Masters/BS (Hons)/Diploma/Certificate) which can be deposited through online challan form in HEC income account.
    Can I submit expired CNIC for getting local degree equivalence certificate? No, the CNIC must be valid.
    If I have a variation in details on educational documents. Can I get equivalence from HEC? No, It is mandatory for applicants that Name and Father's Name, date of birth and all other details must be same on all educational documents and CNIC or Passport (in case of foreign national).
    My University has not yet issued degree to me. Can I get equivalence certificate on the basis of transcript only? Yes, you can get provisional equivalence certificate on the basis of transcript subject to verification of your transcript from the concerned Controller of Examinations/Authorized officers of respective University/DAI. Final Equivalence Certificate will be issued on provision of degree.
    Can I get equivalence certificate from HEC for incomplete studies? No, HEC does not grant equivalence certificate against incomplete studies.
    I am a married female applicant. Do I need any additional documents for getting equivalence certificate? Yes, for female married applicants, a copy of Marriage Certificate/NikkahNama/old CNIC before marriage or any other appropriate documentary evidence is essential in order to ascertain her identity.
    Can I authorize someone to submit documents on my behalf to TCS? Yes, an authorized person along with the authority letter duly verified by a Gazatted officer of Grade-17 or above can submit documents to TCS on your behalf.
    Can I get equivalence certificate from HEC on the basis of transcript awarded through constituent/affiliated college/institute/department of HEC's Chartered Universities/DAI? In such cases, transcript issued by constituent/affiliated college/institute/department must be verified/attested by concerned Controller of Examinations/authorized officers of respective University/DAI.
    I have done Associate Degree after 12-year schooling. Is it equivalent to Bachelor (Pass) degree involving 14-year of schooling? Yes, as per HEC approved policy, 2-year Associate degree (comprising 60-66 credit hours with 04 regular semesters excluding summer semesters) awarded by HEC Chartered Universities/DAIs is equivalent to generally old BA/BSc (14 years schooling). However, equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis upon submission of online application on the HEC portal.
    I have done Associate Degree program (ADP) in Education. Is it equivalent to BEd degree? No, it's not equivalent to BEd.
    I have done 4-year BS (Hons) degree program after 12-year schooling. Is it equivalent to old Master's Degree involving 16-year of schooling? Yes, as per approved policy, any 4-year Bachelor (Hons) degree (minimum 124-136 credit hours with 08 regular semesters excluding summer semesters) awarded by HEC chartered Universities/DAI after 12-year schooling is generally recognized by HEC as equivalent to MA/MSc degree in their own field of specialization involving 16-year of schooling. However, equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis upon submission of application along with all relevant documents and fee.
    I have done Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) Degree. Is it equivalent to old MBA involving 16-year of schooling? Yes, as per HEC approved policy, 2-year Bachelor of Business Studies degree (comprising 60-66 credit hours with 04 regular semesters excluding summer semesters) awarded by HEC Chartered Universities/DAIs is similar to old MBA (16 years schooling). However, equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis upon submission of application along with relevant documents and fee.
    I have done Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree. Is it equivalent to Bachelor of Science in Computer Science? No, both these degrees are not equivalent.
    What is the equivalence policy of HEC regarding BSc Post RN? 2-year Bachelor of Science (Post RN) degree awarded after completion of Diploma in Nursing followed by Diploma in Midwifery or 01 year related specialty duly recognized by Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) and passing compulsory subjects at Bachelor (Pass) level i.e. English, Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies is equated as 16 years qualification. However equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis subject to submission of detailed documents.
    I have done 1.5 years BEd (Hons) degree after 16 years non-relevant education. Is it equivalent to MA Education/MEd? No, as per Teacher Education Roadmap, the holder of BEd (1.5 years) degree obtained after 16 years of non-relevant qualification is not equivalent to M.A Education/MEd.
    I have done 1.5 years B.Ed (Hons) degree after 16 years non-relevant education. Am I eligible to get admission in MS/MPhil Education? Yes, as per Teacher Education Roadmap, the holder of BEd (1.5 years) degree obtained after 16 years non-relevant education is eligible to get admission into MS/MPhil Education after fulfilling all other eligibility conditions of the admitting university/DAI.
    Is MS equivalent to MPhil? Yes, both these degrees are awarded after completion of minimum 30 credit hours. The level of these degrees is same.
    I have done 3.5-year MBA after Bachelor /14-year schooling, is it equivalent to MS/MPhil? Yes, as per roadmap for Business Education, 3.5-year MBA degree (minimum 90-96 credit hours with 07 regular semesters excluding summer semesters) after Bachelor/14-year schooling is generally recognized by HEC as equivalent to MS/MPhil degree involving 18-year of schooling in the relevant field. However, equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis upon submission of application along with all original documents and fee.
    I have done Master of Laws (LLM) from an HEC recognized University/DAI. Is it equivalent to MPhil? Yes, 2-year LLM degree awarded by HEC Chartered Universities/DAIs after LL.B is generally recognized by HEC as equivalent to MPhil degree in general stream involving 18 years of schooling. However, equivalence of degrees is determined by HEC on individual basis upon submission of application along with relevant documents and fee.
    Is it mandatory for my University to get NOC from HEC to start MS/MPhil/PhD or equivalent academic programs? HEC only requires NOC for all those postgraduate degree programs i.e. MBA/MS/MPhil/PhD or equivalent which have been launched by Universities/DAIs after November 07, 2013 (List of NOC's is available on HEC website https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/faculty/Plagiarism/Documents/Updated-list-NOC-Issued.pdf
    I have done FCPS/MCPS. Can I get admission in PhD? Yes, the holders of MCPS and FCPS duly recognized by PM&DC (Now PMC) are eligible to get admission into PhD degree program subject to fulfillment of all other eligibility conditions laid down by the admitting University/DAI.
    I got admission in an affiliated college/institution in MS/MPhil degree program after March 07, 2016. Can I get equivalence certificate against my MS/MPhil degree from HEC? As per Quality Assurance Division of HEC's letter No. 1-AD/QA/HEC/NOC(Affiliated Colleges)/2016/122 dated 13.04.2016, MS/MPhil/PhD or equivalent degree programs cannot be launched at affiliated colleges/institutes. Any such degree awarded in violation of above instructions cannot be equated by HEC.
    Does HEC play any role in recruitment process after issuance of equivalence certificate? No, HEC has no role in recruitment process or determining eligibility for any post.
    Does HEC play any role in admission of candidates for higher studies after issuance of equivalence certificate? No, HEC does not play any role in admission of candidates for higher studies.
    I have lost my original equivalence certificate. Can I get a duplicate equivalence certificate? Yes, the degree holder himself/herself or through authorized person can apply for issuance of duplicate equivalence letter subject to fulfillment of the following conditions: • Duplicate Equivalence Fee of Rs. 300/- in favor of HEC (Non-refundable) through bank draft. • Applicant has to provide/submit an affidavit for loss of original equivalence letter. • The applicant or his authorized person (if applied through authorized person) will have to apply on plain paper and provide copy of CNIC alongwith degrees and transcripts.
    Is HEC issuing equivalence certificate against CA/ICMA and ACCA qualifications on individual basis? No, as per approved policy, HEC is not issuing equivalence certificate against CA/ICMA and ACCA qualifications on individual basis. A general Notification in this regard is already available on HECwebsite https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/Equivalence%20Degree%20Issuance/Documents/Equ-Notification.pdf
    There is an erasing/overwriting on my degree/transcript. Is it acceptable for the purpose of issuing equivalence certificate? No, erasing/overwriting on any document is not acceptable for issuing equivalence certificate.
    Where can I find the list of HEC recognized Universities/DAIs? Following is the link of HEC recognized Universities/DAIs:
    here
  3. Backdated NOC/One-time Degree Attestation List
    Answer:
    Name is not available in approved list of One Time Attestation of Degrees? In case the name of the student is not available in the approved list of One-Time Attestation of degrees, please email the copy of the degree and transcript at [email protected] for inclusion

Focal person
Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR)

Muhammad Faisal Siddique

Research Officer (Quality Enhancement Cell)
Assistant Director (QECACs)