The Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has abolished the two-year associate degree programme in all public colleges.

The department has directed the administration of the colleges to close admission in the associate degree programme, and enroll students in the four-year bachelors programme in the upcoming admission session.

The provincial education department has included all general and commerce colleges that will offer admission in the bachelors programme.

The background of these associate degree programmes dates back to 2012 and 2013 when BS degrees were not yet formally integrated into college prospectuses.

The programme was given extension twice owing to the lack of infrastructure, faculties and laboratories in the colleges.

Those already enrolled in two-year associate degree programme, will continue their studies to finish their degrees.

Additionally, the college principles were directed to approach relevant directorate to seek approval for offering admission in the BS programmes.