ISLAMABAD: The Academic Council of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has approved a series of major academic reforms aimed at enhancing educational quality, modernizing degree programs, and expanding learning opportunities for students across Pakistan.
The meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, endorsed several key policy decisions covering academic standards, new degree offerings, curriculum reforms, and postgraduate education. The recommendations will now be forwarded to the university’s Executive Council for final approval.
One of the most significant decisions taken during the meeting was the introduction of a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 as an eligibility requirement for students seeking Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at future convocations. University officials said the move is intended to ensure that academic distinctions are awarded only to students demonstrating consistently high academic performance.
The Academic Council also approved renaming the BS in Mass Communication program as the Bachelor of Studies in Media and Mass Communication, reflecting the evolving nature of the media industry and the broader scope of contemporary communication studies.
In addition, the council approved 10 new certificate courses in Mass Communication, along with several new Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in various academic disciplines. The university said these additions are designed to provide students with more flexible learning pathways and equip them with skills aligned with current educational and professional requirements.
In another major development, the council approved the launch of FSc Pre-Medical and FSc Pre-Engineering programs from the Fall 2026 semester. The new intermediate-level science programs are expected to create additional educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, and other science-related fields.
The meeting also endorsed a restructuring of the university’s MPhil and PhD programs. Under the revised framework, each faculty will offer one MPhil and one PhD program, each comprising multiple specializations instead of separate standalone degree programs. According to the university, the restructuring is intended to improve academic administration, enhance educational quality, facilitate student management, and ensure more efficient use of institutional resources.
Addressing the meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood said the university remains committed to promoting quality, modern, and student-focused education. He stated that the decisions approved by the Academic Council would help strengthen academic standards, improve institutional effectiveness, and prepare students to meet future educational and professional challenges.
The reforms form part of AIOU’s broader strategy to modernize its academic framework while expanding access to quality higher education through updated curricula and internationally aligned educational practices.
The decisions approved by the Academic Council will take effect after receiving formal ratification from the university’s Executive Council.
