Punjab Universities See 30% Drop in Admissions 2025

Public institutions of higher learning throughout Punjab are having one of their most difficult years to date, with a significant decline in student enrollment that has raised serious concerns among educators and policymakers about the future of postsecondary education within the province.

New statistics released by the Punjab Higher Education Department indicate that admission to undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs decreased by 20% to 30% in most institutions. Names like Punjab University Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad, and Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan all reported fewer than anticipated students. Matters are worse for smaller district universities in Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Narowal, where favorite courses are failing to attract adequate applicants.

So why the slump?

 Education specialists cite three primary causes  a rising cost of living, outdated school programs, and increasing inequality between degrees and available jobs.

"This is not a dip in admissions; it's a sign of a deeper crisis in our education system," predicts Prof. Dr. Munawar Sabir, ex-chairman of Punjab University's Geography Department. "Even public universities are becoming unaffordable once you add hostel fees, transport, books, and other expenses."

Higher education has become a luxury for many families. Shamsa Bibi, a resident of a small village near Narowal, told her tale:
My son performed well in his middle exams, but we simply could not afford the cost of university. He's now working in a factory to support the family.

Another major concern is the relevance of university programs. According to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad Ali, many institutions are still teaching in the same outdated formats they used 20 years ago. “The job market has changed dramatically, but our degrees haven’t kept up,” he said. “Students want employable skills, not just a piece of paper.”

This change in attitude is nudging more and more young people towards skill certificates, short-duration professional courses, and web-based certification. As freelancing and gig economy work picks up, many are inclined to invest in digital skills that have quicker returns.

A few universities have attempted to catch up by offering courses in business innovation, data science, and IT, but these measures are patchy.

Guidance services for careers are not common, and industrial connections which would assist students in getting jobs that fit their capabilities are still tenuous.

The drop in MPhil and PhD enrollment is also worrisome for researchers because it may retard research and innovation in the province.

Experts are urging the government to act immediately.

 Among their suggestions are:

1. Free or subsidized transport for students
2. Increased scholarships for poor families
3. Reduced entry test charges
4. Easier, quicker online admission procedure
5. Full curriculum overhaul to align with industry requirements
6. Unless rapid and firm action is taken, they caution, Punjab may be on course for a long-term educational and economic loss.