KP engineering enrolment declines by 76pc in 7 years

PESHAWAR: A recent study has revealed an alarming trend of declining enrolments in engineering programmes across Pakistan.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) data shows a dramatic drop in participants, from 16,005 in 2017 to just 3,895 in 2024, reflecting a 76pc decrease. The study, which compiled data from various educational boards, pointed to a continuous decrease in students opting for pre-engineering programmes. The decline in engineering enrolments threatens the backbone of country’s development, believe experts.

The report, compiled by former vice chancellor Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and Umar Ahmad Noor, a research associate at the Earthquake Engineering Centre, University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, warns that the trend could have serious implications for future of the engineering sector in the country.

“Over the past decade, there has been a significant decline in the enrolment of students pursuing pre-engineering across the country. This decline has also affected enrolments in other disciplines, including physics, computer science, electronics, architecture, space sciences and mathematics, all of which require pre-engineering as a foundational prerequisite,” the report stated.

The data from the Engineering Entrance Test (ETEA) at UET, Peshawar, showed that in 2018, 15,529 students applied for ETEA for UET, Peshawar, with 11,110 students in 2019. A major decline was noticed in 2020, with only 5,816 students appearing for the test. The numbers were slightly better in 2021 with 7,741 students but dropped again to 6,650 in 2022. In 2023, only 4,579 students were interested in studying engineering in KP. Surprisingly, only 3,895 candidates participated in the latest entrance test 2024, conducted by the ETEA for admission to engineering departments of public and private universities in KP, significantly lower than in previous years.

In 2015, the Federal Board recorded 14,605 students in pre-engineering exams compared to 12,397 in pre-medical. By 2023, only 35pc of students opted for pre-engineering, a sharp decline from 54pc in 2015.

In 2015, pre-engineering students accounted for 54pc of total exam takers, while pre-medical students constituted 46pc. However, by 2023, only 35pc of students appeared for pre-engineering exams, marking a significant decline compared to pre-medical enrolments.

Over eight years, pre-engineering enrolments experienced a 19pc decrease, while pre-medical enrolments saw a corresponding increase. This downward trajectory is consistent across various educational boards. The study, which analysed enrolment figures and entry test participation rates, showcased a steady decline over the years.

The findings indicate a pressing need for stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Science and Technology and Pakistan Engineering Council, to take immediate and effective measures to promote engineering education.