The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan plays a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and recognition of academic degrees awarded by higher education institutions across the country. HEC primarily verifies degrees as part of its attestation process, confirming that a degree is legitimate and has been issued by a recognized university.
Understanding HEC's Role in Degree Verification and Attestation
The HEC is an independent statutory body responsible for overseeing, regulating, and accrediting higher education in Pakistan. Its degree verification and attestation service is vital for students seeking employment, further education abroad, or immigration purposes, as it provides an official stamp of approval on their academic credentials. The process essentially confirms two things:
- The degree-awarding institution is recognized by HEC.
- The degree holder has genuinely completed the program and been awarded the degree by that institution.
The Step-by-Step Process of HEC Degree Attestation
HEC's verification process is integrated into its comprehensive degree attestation service. Applicants must follow a structured procedure to get their degrees attested, which inherently involves verification.
1. Online Application Submission
The initial step for anyone seeking degree attestation from HEC is to apply online through the official HEC e-service portal. Applicants are required to:
- Create an account (if they don't have one).
- Fill out the detailed online application form, providing personal, academic, and degree-related information.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents, including degrees, transcripts, and identification.
- Submit the application form electronically to HEC.
- Upon successful submission, the applicant typically receives an SMS and email confirmation, acknowledging receipt of their application.
2. Appointment Booking and Document Collection
After the online application is processed, applicants usually proceed to:
- Book an appointment slot for a walk-in attestation if they choose this method, or opt for courier service.
- Gather all original documents (degrees, transcripts, CNIC/passport, fee challan, etc.) along with their photocopies, as specified by HEC.
3. Institutional Verification
This is the core stage where HEC verifies the degree's authenticity. Once HEC receives the documents (either physically during a walk-in or via courier), it initiates a verification process with the degree-awarding university.
- Communication with University: HEC sends the submitted degrees and transcripts to the respective university's examination or record department.
- Confirmation of Authenticity: The university then verifies the records, confirming that the applicant was indeed enrolled, successfully completed the program, and was legitimately awarded the degree and transcripts on the specified dates.
- University Endorsement: The university officially endorses the authenticity of the documents and returns them to HEC.
4. HEC Scrutiny and Attestation
Once HEC receives confirmation from the university regarding the degree's authenticity:
- Internal Scrutiny: HEC officials perform a final check, comparing the verified documents with the applicant's submitted information and their internal database.
- Attestation Stamping: If all checks are satisfactory, HEC affixes its official attestation stamps and signatures on the original degrees and transcripts. This signifies that the degree has been verified and authenticated by HEC.
5. Degree Return
After attestation, the verified and attested documents are returned to the applicant through their chosen method:
- In-person collection during a booked appointment.
- Via courier service to the provided address.
Key Documents Required for Attestation
To facilitate a smooth verification and attestation process, applicants must ensure they have all necessary documents ready. The exact list can vary slightly, but generally includes:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Degree | The final degree certificate awarded by the university. |
| Original Transcripts | Detailed academic record showing courses, grades, and CGPA. |
| CNIC/Passport | Valid Pakistani National Identity Card or Passport for identification purposes. |
| Application Form | Printed copy of the online submitted application form. |
| Fee Challan | Proof of payment for HEC attestation services. |
| Matric & Inter Certificates | Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent. |
| Previous Degrees | If applying for Master's/PhD, the preceding Bachelor's degree and transcripts. |
| Photocopies | Attested photocopies of all original documents (usually required for HEC records). |
Important Considerations for Applicants
- Processing Time: The duration for verification and attestation can vary depending on the workload, the responsiveness of the degree-awarding university, and the chosen attestation method.
- Fee Structure: HEC charges a specific fee per document for attestation, which must be paid via a challan form generated during the online application process.
- Checking Application Status: Applicants can regularly check the status of their application on the HEC e-service portal using their tracking ID.
- Accuracy of Information: It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information during the online application to avoid delays or rejection. Any discrepancies can lead to extended processing times.
By following this comprehensive process, HEC ensures the integrity of academic qualifications and provides a credible means for degree holders to authenticate their educational achievements.
