Degree Attestation by HEC: Facilities opened in Lahore and Peshawar

Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is highest education authority in Pakistan. It not only regulates the education system and approves universities' charter after careful evaluation but also involved in degree attestation in order to confirm the validity of degrees. HEC attests the degrees/diplomas or certificates issued by HEC recognized universities only which may be private/public. Further neither does it recognize foreign degrees. For many years, HEC was providing attestation services only in Islamabad city. In order to facilitate people, it has opened two more facilities for attestation at its regional centers which started their working on 3rd June, 2013.

One facility is opened in Lahore and other in Peshawar. This action would make it easier for many residents of the particular city and nearby towns and cities to get their degrees attested. Following are the details of location of both offices:

HEC Regional Centre 

55-B/2, Gulberg III, Lahore 

Email: nhussain@hec.gov.pk

HEC Regional Centre

Phase-V, Hayatabad, Peshawar

Email: zahmad@hec.gov.pk 

Procedure of Attestation

There is a particular process for getting your degrees attested by HEC
. There are announced official timings for degree attestation from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. During this time period, token numbers are issued which help you wait for your turn. Total of 240 token are issued for a day, any number going beyond that is neither issued nor entertained. Further, they do not exceed their time limits in order to entertain the applicants. You can also apply online at HEC's official website for degree attestation.

First of all to begin with degree/diploma/certificate attestation process, you must have original certificates/degrees from Matric onwards along with transcripts/DMCs; Detailed list is as follows:

1. Original matric certificate
2. Original intermediate certificate
3. Original degree
4. Original transcripts/detail mark certificates (DMCs) showing date of admission and completion                           of program
5. Copy of Computerized Identity Card 
6. Authority letter duly attested by a Grade 17 officer for the authorized person 

Further there are few other important requirements of degree attestation by HEC such as;

1. The name of the candidate should be same on all documents provided, i.e. both on degrees and NIC.
2. The father name of the candidate should also be same on all the degrees and identity documents provided
3. Date of birth should also match on all documents provided
4. Both Degrees/ Transcripts issued on the same date, or overlapping semesters between an Undergraduate Degree and a Graduate Degree will not be recognized/ attested by HEC.

Note: If applicants are unable to fulfill any of the above requirement, HEC will not attest the degrees/diplomas/certificates. 

Attestation Fee

There is charged fee for per document attestation by HEC. It charges Rs. 800 for original document attestation and Rs. 500 for photocopied degree/diploma/certificate attestation. Those who go by themselves have to pay the fee on the counter but those applying online and does no go by themselves have to submit their charges to OCS which also provide shipment service for degree/diploma/ certificate attestation. OCS shipment service charges are Rs. 155 for Islamabad and Rs. 240 for the rest of the Pakistan (excluding attestation fee).

Why does Brands matter?

Whenever we go to market, we find ourselves surrounded with various brands. Even if we are thinking to make decision on buying something, we immediately get multiple brands in our minds, belonging to that particular product category. For instance, in an attempt to make decision regarding buying a smartphone, various brands like IPhone, Samsung, BlackBerry, Nokia, HTC etc would strike us. Why does it happen? Why don't we go for any product we find in the category? This happens because companies have differentiated their products by creating brands out of those. They have modified simple products into brands by offering distinct benefits and signing specific name, logo, symbols etc.

American Marketing Association defines brand as "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.". Therefore its not just name or logo of a brand that creates strong association in our minds, it more than that. It includes all those benefits and features that are important to consumers and not provided by competitors. For instance, Apple being the top most brands among many other successful one garbed this place because of its innovative experience it provides to its consumers which depends on the use of innovative technology, distinctive and user friendly features and more convenient and satisfying applications.

Through brands, companies create an overall experience for its consumers. An experience that leaves longer results and help building greater number of associations with brand. These associations can be function related or design related, price related or any other benefit related. If consumer experience has been successful, then more favorable  stronger and unique association would be formed that would link the brand into consumer's mind and help forming favorable attitudes and behaviors in the end. Bisially this is the association based mechanism that helps bringing brands on the top of the mind in any purchase decision. This is the reason that brand matters not only to companies but to consumers as well.

COMSATS-Lancaster Dual Degree Program (DDP)

Dual Degree Programs have world-wide recognition though not offered in all countries, but some renown North American and British Universities are offering Double/Dual Degree programs. COMSATS University in Pakistan is a prestigious university and is affiliated with Government of Pakistan. COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) puts its prominent efforts in developing international linkages in context of courses and research and development in order to follow the direction guided by Government of Pakistan to make this university one competing internationally.

In the same vain, COMSATS offered its Dual Degree Program in collaboration with Lancaster University, UK for undergraduate students. It has helped bringing international education and standards to Pakistan. Students are awarded with two degrees, one is local and the other one from international partners. Students can earn their international degrees in their home country at convenient prices. I find it a great opportunity for students because it provides not only the quality education as per international standards and transform students into well groomed professionals but also award you the international degree which holds international value. Following are the disciplines offered under Dual Degree Program at COMSATS:

• Computer Science (CS)
• Software Engineering (SE)
• Business Administration (BA)
• Electrical (Telecommunication) Engineering (TE)
• Electrical (Electronics) Engineering (EE)
• Electrical (Computer) Engineering (CE)
• Chemical Engineering (Che)

Admission Schedule

Admissions at COMSATS open twice a year, once for fall semester in June-July and the other for spring semester in November-December. So currently admissions are open at COMSATS for Dual Degree Program which would be closing on 15th July, 2013. Further, there is requirement to clear aptitude test by NTS (NAT). Two dates for NAT are offered; 23rd June 2013 & 21st July, 2013. Moreover, the  following eligibility criteria for DDP is clearly defined:

BS (CS)

• FA/F.Sc/A-Level with Mathematics with minimum 60% marks.
• IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 Band (May be acquired within first year of study period)

BS (BA) & BS (SE)

• FA/F.Sc/A-Levels with minimum 60% marks
• IELTS score of at least 5.5 Band or higher (to be acquired within first year of study period)
• The students must be able to communicate well in English language (mandatory)

BS (TE), BS (CE) & BS (EE)

• F.Sc (Pre-Engg)/ICS/A-Levels or equivalent with minimum 60% marks.
• IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 Band (May be acquired within first year of study period) 

BS (Che)

• FSc. with minimum 60% marks (with Physics, Maths, Chemistry) OR equivalent
• IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 Band (May be acquired within first year of study period)
• For further information about the NTS and the testing process applicants may get assistance at COMSATS' offices.

Cost of Dual Degree Program

The fee for DDP is directly paid to Lancaster University that is GBP 500 per annul. Payment can be made through direct transfer to Lancaster University's account, using your debit/credit card or by opening foreign currency account for direct transfer.

Online Application

CIIT have its online application procedure. Where you have to complete the following steps in order to proceed with your online application:

1. Register on admissions.comsats.edu.pk
2. You will have to fill an online application for and submit that online
3. For further formality completion you will have to visit the admission office in your respective area.

Admission Officer

Phone (Off): 092 42 111 001 007 (EXT 830, 831)

Fax (Off):092 42 99203100

E-mail: admissions@ciitlahore.edu.pk

Associate Degree Program (ADP) at Punjab Group of Colleges

Punjab Group of Colleges has earned its repute and name over the years with its best services among the private sector. It is recognized for its studies, hard working faculty and strict student's supervision. It has always considered student's needs and offered their services and programs. Similarly, keeping in view the student's urge for professional learning and entering the market with appropriate skills, Punjab Group of Colleges, has launched its Associate Degree Program (ADP).

It’s a two years degree program in the field of commerce and IT i.e. along with majors in business subjects; students can do their specialization in either in Finance or IT. It’s based on semester system with each semester consisting of 4. 5 months approx. Students on successfully accomplishing this program would be awarded the degree by University of Central Punjab (UCP) and would be able to enter the professional world. This course is offered to the students who passed their Intermediate (in any field) and is offered at MCom campuses of Punjab Group of Colleges in all cities. Fee for whole ADP program for 2 years is Rs. 165,000/- approx. However, student of PGC gets discount on it.

So the students, who search out for options after their intermediate, have got another alternative added to their basket. This degree is first time offered in here by UCP and students can get admission in masters program after completing this degree. Associate degree program is already renowned in abroad, so those students who have their further plans to go abroad, can consider it as a good option for them. Further, students who consider going for simple BA in order to further or alongside pursue their ACCA, CA or CSS. This degree is a good choice for them too. Firstly Associate degree program is a two year degree program, just like BA. Secondly it provides you with a professional degree which can be useful in future. Moreover,Associate degree program provides you insight into professional world and career which strengthens you foundations if you want to pursue for some higher degree in relevant field. 

Registration of BA candidates (Private) for 2014 Annual Examination

University of the Punjab has announced registration deadline for private candidates who want to appear in BA / BSc examination 2014. Registration is open from 2nd May, 2013 and will remain open till 28th June, 2013. The fee amount with single fee is Rs. 2200/-. However, those who failed to meet the deadline with single fee can apply with Rs. 500/- fine from 1st July to 31st July 2013. And candidates missing this date as well would be allowed to submit registration forms with Rs. 1000/- fine from 1st August, 2013.

Further details along with conditions and requirements are described in the advertisement below: