The study highlights a continuous reduction in the number of students choosing pre-engineering programs. This trend is also affecting other fields that require pre-engineering as a foundational prerequisite, such as physics, computer science, electronics, architecture, space sciences, and mathematics. The decline in pre-engineering enrollments is seen as a critical issue that could impact the broader scientific and technological development of the country.
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Data from the Engineering Entrance Test (ETEA) at UET Peshawar reveals that in 2018, 15,529 students applied, and this number fell to 11,110 in 2019. A substantial drop occurred in 2020, with only 5,816 students taking the test. Though the numbers saw a slight increase to 7,741 in 2021, they again declined to 6,650 in 2022. The trend continued downward in 2023 with just 4,579 students participating, and the 2024 test saw only 3,895 candidates, the lowest in recent years.
The Federal Board’s data underscores this shift: in 2015, there were 14,605 students enrolled in pre-engineering exams compared to 12,397 in pre-medical. By 2023, only 35% of students opted for pre-engineering, down from 54% in 2015. Over the past eight years, pre-engineering enrollments have decreased by 19%, while pre-medical enrollments have increased, reflecting a broader shift in student preferences.
This consistent decline across various educational boards underscores the need for urgent attention and intervention to address the factors contributing to the drop in engineering program enrollments.
