Major Education Reform: GCU Lahore Plans Compulsory AI Subject for BS Students

The Academic Council of Government College University (GCU) Lahore has proposed a significant academic overhaul aimed at aligning higher education with modern technological demands, including the introduction of a compulsory Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for all BS students under a revised curriculum framework. The decision emerged during the 36th Academic Council meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry, where over 70 senior faculty members, professors, and departmental heads participated in extensive deliberations on more than 30 agenda points. The council emphasized that AI literacy has become essential for future careers across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement rather than an optional subject. In addition to curriculum restructuring, the council recommended adopting an open merit-based admission policy for BS programs, allowing limited exceptions only for discipline-specific criteria or requirements set by accredited external institutions. The meeting also approved proposals for nine new academic programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Media and an Associate Degree Program (ADP) in Computer Science, reflecting a growing focus on creative industries and digital skills. Officials stated that these reforms aim to modernize academic delivery, enhance employability, and prepare graduates for emerging global challenges in artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology-driven economies. The recommendations will now be forwarded for final approval before implementation.