Rankings of universities in Pakistan


This article presents an overview of university rankings in Pakistan. Within Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission provides official rankings of higher education institutions nationally, based on a multitude of criteria. There are also various magazines, newspapers and international agencies/standards which provide rankings and analysis.
According to the 2015 HEI rankings released by the HEC, the top five universities in Pakistan are, in descending order: Quaid-i-Azam University, University of the Punjab, National University of Sciences and Technology, University of Agriculture in Faisalabad and Aga Khan University.
As of 2016, six universities in Pakistan are currently placed by QS World University Rankings in the top 800 world rankings: National University of Sciences and Technology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Lahore University of Management Sciences, University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, University of Karachi and the University of Lahore.
As of 2018-2019 QS Ranking of Universities. There are 7 Pakistani universities in top 1000. P.I.A.S #397 N.U.S.T #417 QAU #551-560 L.U.M.S #701-750 C.O.M.S.A.T.S #751-800 U.E.T Lahore #801-1000 P.U Lahore #800-1000

National

Up to date, the HEC has published rankings for the years 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014 and most recently 2015. In addition to the top ten and general rankings, independent rankings are also provided for universities and institutes in the categories of agriculture and veterinary science; arts and design; business; engineering and technology; and medicine. The HEC ranking uses five criteria, all of which have specific weightings and are summed to give an aggregate score out of 100. Institutional rankings are determined based on this aggregate score. Each criterion and its weighting is dependent upon a set of sub-components. The five criteria, along with their weighted score and sub-components are summarised below:
According to the 2015 HEC rankings, the following comprise the overall top ranking higher education institutions in the country.
RankingUniversityScore
1Quaid-i-Azam University100.00
2University of the Punjab83.28
3National University of Sciences and Technology80.27
4University of Agriculture 78.72
5Aga Khan University77.28
6COMSATS Institute of Information Technology76.51
7Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences74.88
8University of Karachi70.09
9University of Health Sciences 68.00
10University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences66.78

Agriculture and veterinary science

Arts and design

Business

According to the 2015 HEC rankings, the following comprise the top ranking business schools in the country.
1Iqra University100.00
2Lahore School of Economics98.70
3Institute of Business Administration96.00
4Institute of Management Sciences 80.32
5Sukkur Institute of Business Administration75.82
6Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology75.70
7The Superior College74.30
8Institute of Business Management72.91
9University of Central Punjab67.34
10Greenwich University58.75
11GIFT University54.66
12COMMECS Institute of Business and Emerging Sciences41.79
13Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education37.54
14Institute of Management Sciences 25.39
15Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology22.16

Computer sciences and information technology

Rankings for computer science and information technology institutes are updated as of 2012.
RankingUniversityScore
1COMSATS Institute of Information Technology68.00
2National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences61.00
3Qurtuba University43.00
4Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences37.00
5City University of Science and Information Technology28.00
6CECOS University of Information Technology and Emerging Sciences26.00

Engineering and technology

According to the 2015 HEC rankings, the following comprise the top ranking engineering universities in the country.
RankingUniversityScore
1National University of Sciences and Technology100.00
2Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences96.67
3Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology75.34
4Institute of Space Technology72.46
5University of Engineering and Technology 63.97
6Mehran University of Engineering and Technology58.88
7University of Engineering and Technology 57.74
8Air University57.22
9University of Engineering and Technology 55.32
10National Textile University51.09
11NED University of Engineering and Technology51.06
12Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences48.60
13Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology45.78
14Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology45.08
15HITEC University45.01
16CECOS University of Information Technology and Emerging Sciences43.96
17Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology43.91
18Indus University43.39
19Dawood University of Engineering and Technology42.48
20Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology37.07
21Textile Institute of Pakistan23.40

Medicine

According to the 2015 HEC rankings, the following comprise the top ranking medical schools in the country.
RankingUniversityScore
1Aga Khan University100.00
2University of Health Sciences 83.54
3Dow University of Health Sciences64.53
4Khyber Medical University61.62
5Isra University57.28
6King Edward Medical University53.62
7Ziauddin University51.99
8Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences50.56
9Gandhara University43.64
10Baqai Medical University41.58
11Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University37.03
12Sindh Institute of Medical Sciences36.45
13Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women32.25

General rankings

Notes:

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)

The QS World University Rankings is one of the most widely referenced international ranking systems. Pakistan is ranked 50th globally in terms of its higher education system's strength. The 2015–2016 edition academically ranked the following Pakistani universities:
RankingWorld rankingAsia rankingUniversitySubject ranking/s Top 50 Under 50QS Stars
1501–550112National University of Sciences and TechnologyComputer science and information systems: 251–300; Electrical and electronic engineering: 201–250; Engineering and technology: 34081–90
2701+149Quaid-i-Azam UniversityComputer science and information systems: 351–400; Mathematics: 301–400; Physics and astronomy: 301–400
3701+111Lahore University of Management SciencesBusiness and management studies: 251–300; Computer science and information systems: 401–450
4701+201–210University of Karachi
5701+241–250University of Engineering and Technology Electrical and electronic engineering: 251–300
6701+University of Lahore
149Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
183Aga Khan UniversityMedicine: 301–400
221–230University of the Punjab
231–240COMSATS Institute of Information TechnologyComputer science and information systems: 401–5003
301–350University of Agriculture Agriculture and forestry: 51–100

ranks the top 25% institutions and schools/faculties in the field of economics research, using its IDEAS database. The database takes a number of factors into account, such as item citations, journals and working papers, authorship and field-based ranks. The database rankings are updated on a monthly basis. Provided below are the most recent country rankings for Pakistan:
RankingUniversitySchool or department
1Pakistan Institute of Development EconomicsDepartment of Econometrics and Statistics
2COMSATS Institute of Information TechnologyDepartment of Management Sciences
4Lahore School of Economics
5Quaid-i-Azam UniversitySchool of Economics
6Institute of Business Administration
7Federal Urdu UniversitySchool of Economic Sciences
8International Islamic UniversityInternational Institute of Islamic Economics
9University of KarachiApplied Economics Research Centre
10Lahore University of Management SciencesDepartment of Economics
11University of the PunjabDepartment of Economics
12Iqra UniversityResearch Centre
13National University of Sciences and TechnologyNUST Business School
14University of SargodhaDepartment of Economics
16University of KarachiDepartment of Economics

Notes:
The Round University Ranking, compiled by the RUR Ranking Agency in Russia in partnership with Thomson Reuters, ranks the top 750 universities based on standards of teaching, research, international diversity and financial sustainability. The following Pakistani universities are listed in the 2016 rankings:
RankingWorld rankingUniversityScoreLeagueDimensional rankings
1610National University of Sciences and Technology31.205World LeagueTeaching: 482 ; Research: 639 ; International diversity: 427 ; Financial sustainability: 652
2627NED University of Engineering and Technology29.520World LeagueTeaching: 515 ; Research: 635 ; International diversity: 466 ; Financial sustainability: 673

The SCImago Institutions Rankings are published by the SCImago Research Group, a Spanish academic research organisation. The rankings measure universities using indicators such as research, innovation and web visibility. Included below are the 19 Pakistani universities listed in these rankings and their positions in terms of the latter two indicators.
Innovative KnowledgeUniversityTechnological ImpactUniversityWebsiteUniversityInbound LinksUniversity
1University of Karachi1Bahauddin Zakariya University1University of the Punjab1Islamia University
2University of Agriculture 2University of Karachi2International Islamic University2Aga Khan University
3COMSATS Institute of Information Technology3University of Sargodha3National University of Sciences and Technology3University of the Punjab
4Bahauddin Zakariya University4National University of Sciences and Technology4Quaid-i-Azam University4Federal Urdu University
5National University of Sciences and Technology5University of Agriculture 5Aga Khan University5Bahauddin Zakariya University
6Quaid-i-Azam University6University of Engineering and Technology 6University of Peshawar6COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
7University of the Punjab7COMSATS Institute of Information Technology7Dow University of Health Sciences7University of Peshawar
8University of Sargodha8Government College University 8Islamia University8Quaid-i-Azam University
9Government College University 9Islamia University9University of Engineering and Technology 9University of Engineering and Technology
10Islamia University10University of the Punjab10University of Sindh10University of Karachi
11University of Engineering and Technology 11Government College University 11University of Agriculture 11University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
12Aga Khan University12Quaid-i-Azam University12Government College University 12International Islamic University
13Government College University 13University of Sindh13University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences13Government College University
14University of Sindh14Aga Khan University14Abdul Wali Khan University14Government College University
15Abdul Wali Khan University15Abdul Wali Khan University15Government College University 15National University of Sciences and Technology
16Dow University of Health Sciences16Dow University of Health Sciences16Bahauddin Zakariya University16University of Sindh
17International Islamic University17International Islamic University17University of Karachi17University of Sargodha
18University of Peshawar18University of Peshawar18Federal Urdu University18University of Agriculture
19University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences19University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences19COMSATS Institute of Information Technology19Dow University of Health Sciences

Notes:
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is a prominent publication of university rankings, released by the UK-based Times Higher Education magazine. It includes overall, subject and reputation-wise rankings, 150 Under 50 rankings, as well as two regional rankings: Asia, and BRICS and Emerging Economies. In the 2015–2016 edition, the following ranks were applicable to Pakistani universities:
RankingWorld rankingAsia rankingBRICS & Emerging Economies ranking150 Under 50 rankingUniversity
1601–800COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
2601–800121–130132101–150National University of Sciences and Technology
3601–800101–110107Quaid-i-Azam University
4801University of Agriculture
5801Bahauddin Zakariya University
6801University of Karachi
7801University of Lahore

Notes:
The GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities is published by Universitas Indonesia. It ranks over 400 world universities according to their eco-friendly environment and commitment to sustainability. Three instruments are used as the basis of the ranking criteria: Environment, Economics and Equity. The 2015 edition includes the following overall and indicator-specific world rankings for Pakistani universities:
RankingUniversityOverall rankingSetting & infrastructureEnergy & climate changeWasteWaterTransportationEducationCampus setting
1University of Agriculture 128921653221485634Urban: 57
2Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University22025332729110120195Urban: 110
3University of Lahore27015427035639492204Urban: 138
4University of Karachi35560339397291262336Urban: 189
5International Islamic University392293382406282287226City Center/High Rise: 53

is an independent ranking system funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus Programme. The ranking is supported by a consortium of academics in Europe. It provides multi-dimensional listings for universities, in terms of academic fields as well as various education-specific indicators. Universities are rated against these indicators using a grading system, ranging from 'A' to 'E'. The 2016 rankings include the following Pakistani universities along with their grades:
RankUniversityTeaching & learningResearchKnowledge transferInternational orientationRegional engagement
1University of Veterinary and Animal SciencesBachelors graduation rate: A; Masters graduation rate: A; Graduating on time : A; Graduating on time : ACitation rate: D; Research publications: A; External research income: ACo-publications with industrial partners: D; Private income: D; Patents: E; Publications cited in patents: EInternational joint publications: DBachelor graduates working in region: D; Regional joint publications: B; Regional income sources: E
2Institute of Management Sciences Graduating on time : A; Graduating on time : A
3Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management SciencesBachelors graduation rate: B; Masters graduation rate: C; Graduating on time : B; Graduating on time : CCitation rate: D; Research publications: D; External research income: DCo-publications with industrial partners: B; Private income: D; Patents: E; Publications cited in patents: EStudent mobility: D; International joint publications: ABachelor graduates working in region: B; Regional joint publications: B; Regional income sources: B

Notes:
The University Ranking by Academic Performance, developed at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, ranks the top 2,000 global institutions with an emphasis on research impact and quality, and scientific productivity. It uses indicators such as articles published, citations, total documents, article and citation impact, and international collaboration. The 2015–2016 edition provides the following national, international and regional rankings along with field-based ranks for Pakistani universities:
RankingWorld rankingAsia rankingUniversityField-based ranking/s
1595128Quaid-i-Azam UniversityBiological sciences: 772; Chemical sciences: 661; Engineering: 588; Mathematical sciences: 189; Medical and health sciences: 949; Physical sciences: 305
2967259COMSATS Institute of Information TechnologyChemical sciences: 872; Engineering: 669; Information and computing sciences: 577; Mathematical sciences: 499; Physical sciences: 699
3973263University of Agriculture Agricultural and veterinary sciences: 167; Biological sciences: 625; Engineering: 1,015; Environmental sciences: 400
41,040292University of the PunjabBiological sciences: 651; Engineering: 1,139; Mathematical sciences: 656; Medical and health sciences: 986; Physical sciences: 692
51,059295Aga Khan UniversityMedical and health sciences: 513
61,101309National University of Sciences and TechnologyEngineering: 933; Mathematical sciences: 487; Physical sciences: 761
71,261375University of KarachiBiological sciences: 777; Chemical sciences: 688; Medical and health sciences: 878
81,343407Bahauddin Zakariya UniversityEngineering: 1,224
91,403435Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied SciencesBiological sciences: 995; Engineering: 1,061; Physical sciences: 932
101,475464Government College University
111,558503University of Peshawar
121,581512Government College University Mathematical sciences: 871
131,646533University of Sargodha
141,701561Lahore University of Management Sciences
151,752577Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University
161,890641University of Engineering and Technology
181,937661University of Sindh
191,968670Dow University of Health Sciences
201,975673Kohat University of Science and Technology

Notes:
In the 2015 edition of top 500 international rankings, the U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Rankings listed the following Pakistani university:
RankingWorld rankingAsia rankingUniversity
149689Quaid-i-Azam University

Webometrics

The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, published by the Spanish Cybermetrics Lab, provides a listing of national, regional and international rankings of universities in Pakistan based on their web presence. Shown below, as per the 2016 edition, are the top 20 rankings only:
RankingWorld rankingAsia rankingSouth Asia rankingUniversity
11,80150924University of the Punjab
21,81851827National University of Sciences and Technology
31,86653330COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
41,90854833Aga Khan University
52,03459737Quaid-i-Azam University
62,04659938Islamia University
72,22968149Lahore University of Management Sciences
82,43776759University of Agriculture
92,63084373International Islamic University
102,63884675Allama Iqbal Open University
112,83492489University of Engineering and Technology
122,989979102Bahauddin Zakariya University
133,0741,014110University of Karachi
143,2331,074117Government College University
153,3371,110123University of Peshawar
163,4171,134128University of Sindh
173,4591,147131National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
183,8831,309166NED University of Engineering and Technology
193,9641,330173Government College University
204,1131,385183Gomal University

uniRank, formerly 4 International Colleges and Universities, ranks universities and colleges country-wise based on their web popularity and online footprint. It is not an academic ranking. According to its website, uniRank uses an algorithm including web metrics from Moz Domain Authority, Alexa Global Rank, SimilarWeb Global Rank, Majestic Referring Domains and Majestic Trust Flow. The top 10 results in Pakistan include the following universities:
RankingUniversity
1National University of Sciences and Technology
2University of the Punjab
3Aga Khan University
4Lahore University of Management Sciences
5COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
6National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
7University of Agriculture
8Bahauddin Zakariya University
9University of Management and Technology
10Quaid-i-Azam University

The HEC acknowledges that rankings are "a debatable subject all over the world". It defines its ranking system as a measure to strengthen the quality of higher education, provide a tool for self-assessment, as well as ensure that universities achieve domestic and international competitiveness in education, innovation and research. However, the HEC's rankings have been subject to criticism among educationists and policy-making experts in Pakistan. Some critics claim the rankings give "more weight to quantity than quality" of research, faculty and other key factors.