Term of References/ Regulatory Framework of Testing Body
1. Introduction
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan was established through ordinance LXII, 2002
repealing University Grants Commission (UGC). The primary role of HEC is to “facilitate institutes
of higher learning to serve as an engine of growth for the socio economic development of
Pakistan”. This role is performed by development and implementation of National Higher
Education Systems/Policies in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)/processes.
Higher Education Commission facilitates all HEIs to provide high quality education to all citizens
disregarding any bias on the basis of sex, age, caste & creed, geographical location, language, etc.
HEC mission is to maximize access to enrollment, raise quality of higher education through
teaching-training, evaluation, research, discovery of new knowledge, publication and human
resource development. Under Section 10(1) (M) of HEC Ordinance No. LIII of 2002, the
Commission may set up bodies or designate any existing body for the purpose. As such depending
upon the need and policy of the HEC, more than one testing body could be established.
2. Objective to Appoint the Testing Body
To evaluate candidates for entry into higher education programmes/award of HEC
scholarships in conformity with the relevant admission laws/rules/regulations; best international
practices and technical requirements. The aim of these tests is to assess and rank the individual’s
knowledge and skills at uniform scales.
The evaluations should be performed in the light of learning objectives of the curriculum of
concerned programme as laid down in the Pakistan Quality Framework (PQF) on the basis of level
of education, discipline, subject/specialty and sub specialty. The results of evaluation(s) should
be on the basis of merit/transparency and related policies. All HEC recognized Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan shall be obliged to accept results of such evaluations. HEC aims to
approve to testing body (ies) on the basis of “HEC criteria for selection of testing body ”.
3. HEC Criteria and Term of References for Selection of Testing Body
Regulatory Statutory Framework for establishing, monitoring and supervising the operations
of HEC approved testing service
3.1
I.
Tasks/Deliverables of the Testing Body
Evaluation of candidates for entry into higher education programmes/award of HEC
scholarships in conformity with the relevant laws/rules/regulations and Best International
Practices (BIP) and technical requirements.
II.
Level of Test
Each test may be conducted at the basis of Level/Discipline/Subject/Sub-specialty for the evaluation of
three domains of education:



Cognitive
Psychomotor
Attitudes
Learning objectives of the curriculum will be provided/approved by Academics Division (Curriculum
Section), HEC
III.
Size of Test Arrangement
Each test will be conducted according to prescribed requirements of arrangement at National, Provincial,
District and institutional level, etc.
IV.
Mode of Test
The Testing Body must have the facility for the organization of Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based
Test (CBT) and Online Test (OT).
V.
Conduction/Operations/Procedures by the Testing Body
The testing body will act as following for the conduction/operations and procedures of tests in
accordance with the guidelines of Curriculum Section, HEC.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
VI.
Validity of Contents/Curriculum
MCQ Bank Strategy
Difficulty Index & Discrimination Index
Feedback by the candidates and complaint resolution
A detailed testing monitoring report will be submitted by the testing body to HEC
after every test for evaluation and quality assurance.
Annual monitoring report will be submitted by the testing body to QAD by indicating
problems encountered, solution offered and quality maintained. QAD will decide on
the basis of submitted report whether to continue with the testing body or otherwise.
Quality Assurance Mechanism (Institutional Arrangements)
The Quality Assurance Division (QAD), HEC will be the focal point for the monitoring and evaluation of
testing body and work for the purpose as following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
QAD will ensure the test prepared by the testing body is at par with HEC approved
curriculum.
One year review by QAD itself or third party appointed by HEC to review the annual
monitoring reports and to physically verify the procedures.
QAD will issue the guidelines for transparency for construction, evaluation and
conduction of tests.
QAD will also defined the standards for following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.2
Conduction Process
Evaluation/Marking/Results
Infrastructure for the students including handicapped students
Resolution of complaints
Eligibility Requirements
a) Name of the firm/agency/body with location of its offices and their contact details.
b) Minimum three 3-years’ experience to conduct such assessment tests at a larger scale.
c) Prior experience of offering test/examination services to competitive and renowned public
& private sector universities/institutes/organizations/departments (attach list with
proposal.)
d) Demonstrate capacity to undertake paper-based as well as computer-based tests of
general/specific assessment campaigns across the country.
e) Demonstrate the strong management system of test development, administration and
assessment.
f) The firm shall have a legal status recognized for local firm .Must have a valid NTN and in
case of Private/Non-Government Organization should be registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Attach copies of valid certificates.
g) Must attach an affidavit to the effect of good track record and that it hasn’t been blacklisted
by any organization at any stage.
h) Details of the company profile, (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience
in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.), proof of scholastic
capacity, mechanism for test development, its evaluation and up-gradation should also be
attached.
i) Financial soundness certificate, Bank statement for the last 12 months and last 3 years
certified audit reports should be attached.
j) Should demonstrate availability of adequate logistical structure with adequate staffing and
arrangements to mobilize professional resources. Should have adequate financial and
physical resources. The firm should ideally have some logistic base in federal and provincial
capitals.
3.3
Financial Policy/Matters
HEC and Testing Body will deal all matters involving finance with mutual agreement on all examination
test fee and will issue notification in this regard.
3.4
Relationship between HEC and Testing Body
i.
ii.
3.5
The testing body will be a service provider appointed for a period of one year or as
satisfied by HEC. The contract will be extendable for another period of one year (but
not exceeding 3 years) after the satisfactory evaluation of QAD.
QAD will act as Regulatory Body and will ensure the quality of the examinations and
all related issues.
Focal Points of HEC and Testing Body for the Resolution of Conflicts
QAD will be the Focal Point from the HEC, however the testing body will appoint its focal person for
coordination and to address any problem as well as try to solve them. The decision of HEC will be
considered final.
3.6
Propriety Rights
The propriety rights will rest upon HEC. Both parties will keep the record/data strictly confidential. If a
testing body is found involved in malpractice regarding paper making, conduction/secrecy of test,
misconduct and unsatisfactory performance. It would be held liable for all such losses and damages
suffered by the procuring agency and the agreement may be forfeited with heavy cost.
3.7
Address/Location
HEC Head Office, H-9, Islamabad, All of the four HEC Regional Centers i.e. Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and
Quetta.
3.8
Process/Procedure of Selection of Testing Body
The Testing Body will be selected as per method set out in PPRA Consultancy rules 3 (B) Quality and Cost
based Selection (QCBS), 2010.