Online applications for admission to Intermediate programs in public colleges across Punjab have officially opened through the Online College Admissions System (OCAS).
OCAS is a digital platform developed by the Punjab Higher Education Department (PHED) in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
So far, the portal has received 136,068 applications, including 90,159 from female students and 45,973 from male students. Among these, 50,249 students have applied for FA (Humanities/Arts), 48,532 for ICS (General Science), and 26,519 for F.Sc. (Pre-Medical), 5,135 for F.Sc. (Pre-Engineering), and 4,484 for I.Com (Commerce).
Highlighting the system’s impact, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said, “Through OCAS, students can apply online from anywhere in Punjab while staying in their hometowns. The platform has simplified the admission process, saving time and resources, and enabling students to pursue their educational aspirations without unnecessary travel or long queues.”
Students can also download the Government Colleges Prospectus (PDF) free of cost from the portal. To apply online, visit: ocas.punjab.gov.pk/
Meanwhile, millions of children across Pakistan have lacked access to education. Reports say some 30 million children are out of schools. In Punjab alone, some 10 million are not attending schools. Education is costly and poor can’t afford it, believes Prof Munawar Sabir, a professor in Punjab University.
The Punjab government, on the other hand, has devised a plan to privatise the education sector. As per reports, the government has decided to handover thousands of schools to private sector. The opposition parties and teachers have already rejected the plan. They say the government is selling out the sector instead of providing free education facilities.
