KP Shuts BS Programs, Shifts 230 Courses to Associate Degrees

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Education Department has announced a sweeping change in its higher education system, declaring the closure of Bachelor of Studies (BS) programs in government colleges across the province.

According to a notification, 230 BS programs in 128 colleges have been replaced with Associate Degree (AD) programs. The department explained that the step was taken after years of poor enrollment and rising dropout rates in BS courses, which made them unsustainable.

Officials highlighted that many of the BS subjects were deemed “unnecessary” and had failed to attract consistent student interest. Instead, AD programs are being introduced to offer shorter, more practical, and accessible courses.

A detailed list shows that 36 colleges have completely discontinued specific BS subjects. Authorities believe the change will streamline resources, align courses with job market needs, and provide students with a clearer academic path.