The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened nominations for the Distinguished National Professor (DNP) 2026 title, inviting universities across Pakistan to nominate eligible senior professors.
The program recognises academics who have made significant contributions to teaching, research, academic leadership, and their respective disciplines at national and international levels.
Eligible professors serving at recognised public and private higher education institutions can be nominated. According to HEC’s latest announcement, universities must submit nominations by 3 November 2026.
Who Can Be Nominated
The program is open to eligible professors working at HEC-recognised public and private universities and higher education institutions in Pakistan.
Nominees must be full-time permanent serving professors working under BPS, tenure, or an eligible long-term contractual arrangement.
They must have completed at least five years of service as a professor. Applicants must also be below 60 years of age at the relevant stage of nomination.
Academic and Professional Record
HEC expects nominees to have a strong record of academic achievement and contribution to higher education.
The evaluation considers areas such as research output, teaching performance, academic leadership, national and international contributions, and service to the academic community.
Universities must therefore nominate professors whose academic work demonstrates sustained impact in their field.
Who is Not Eligible
Professors facing pending disciplinary proceedings may not qualify under the framework. HEC also excludes candidates with established plagiarism penalties, misconduct findings, or other adverse disciplinary records covered by the applicable criteria.
Adverse remarks in annual confidential or performance records during the specified period may also affect eligibility.
Nomination Process
Individual professors cannot simply submit themselves directly under the normal nomination process. Universities and higher education institutions must review eligible faculty members and forward nominations according to HEC’s prescribed framework.
Institutions should complete the nomination proforma and prepare the full nomination dossier along with supporting evidence.
Where to Submit Nominations
Universities must send the complete nomination dossier to the office of the Director General (Academics), Higher Education Commission, Sector H-8/1, Islamabad.
The dossier should include all required documents, academic records, research output, and supporting material specified in the DNP framework.
HEC has encouraged universities to circulate the opportunity widely among their faculty so that eligible professors can be considered.
What Do Selected Professors Receive
Professors selected under the program receive the title of Distinguished National Professor. According to the current HEC framework, selected academics retain the title for life.
They can also receive an honorarium of Rs. 200,000 twice a year for up to three years or until they reach the age of superannuation, whichever comes first.
Selection Criteria
HEC assesses nominated professors through a structured evaluation process. The assessment considers the nominee’s contributions to research, teaching, academic leadership, and higher education.
National and international academic recognition, professional contributions, and service to the academic community also form part of the evaluation.
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