NTS Declared Void - LHC

[Ranger Taffles]

Lahore High Court declares NTS an "unapproved body"​

The Lahore High Court has declared National Testing Service an unapproved body under Higher Education Commission Ordinance 2002 and ruled that the recognised universities/institutions are not under any lawful obligation to conduct tests by the NTS or bound by the results of the tests. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah ruled this in a 13-page judgment passed on a writ petition filed by a student of M.Phil (Chemistry), Syeda Anam Ilyas.

The judge further ruled that the directions issued in favour of NTS by HEC were without lawful authority and any such notification or letter issued by HEC shall be immediately withdrawn.

He, however, observed that the NTS may continue as an entity and act as a testing body but it had no support or blessing of the government and it was voluntary on the universities and educational institutions to engage or not to engage its services. The judge directed that the NTS shall not hold itself as an HEC approved 'national testing service'. It may, however, continue operating as a private entity under the law, but shall not in any manner be taken to be an HEC approved entity.

The judge ordered that the existing arrangement between HEC and NTS shall only continue till May 30, 2014 (cut off date) and HEC shall not enter into any arrangement/contract with NTS after that date.

This order will not affect previous admissions and scholarships already granted or refused on the basis of the tests conducted by NTS.

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Landmark judgment. Finally the legal line of NTS was drawn from such a welcoming decision. In addition, this is the same bench hearing the Net Freedom/Youtube case.

 

[Gizmo]

So I guess it's a good thing I decided to skip appearing in their test this year

 

[Cerberus]

Mean I dont need to appear in NTS for my admission now ?

 

[Ranger Taffles]

Mean I dont need to appear in NTS for my admission now ?

Ask your institution. It depends on them.

 

[Lord Ammar]

Mean I dont need to appear in NTS for my admission now ?

No you will need to appear. This decision just states NTS is not affiliated with HEC. GMAT isn't affiliated with HEC and you don't see universities ignoring it.

 

[w00t]

I believe most of the institutions will still allow NTS take test for them. It's just more convenient for them.

 

[Ranger Taffles]

No you will need to appear. This decision just states NTS is not affiliated with HEC. GMAT isn't affiliated with HEC and you don't see universities ignoring it.

That's the whole point. NTS had the card of playing of Govt.'s recognised testing system. But now that it is clear, the universities and public institutions have their full choice in this.

 

[abobobilly]

This doesn't change anything. This doesn't improve our f*cked up education system by any means. Neither does it provide any convenience to bright students.

 

[Keyboardcowboy]

Hmmmmm just curious why did the chemistry student file a petition?

 

[Cerberus]

Shit,,, i gotta prepare it now

 

[Lord Ammar]

That's the whole point. NTS had the card of playing of Govt.'s recognised testing system. But now that it is clear, the universities and public institutions have their full choice in this.

There isn't any other testing service. Either HEC comes up with one, or universities have their own tests, or they continue to judge on NTS criteria.

 

[fayaz88]

A typical Pakistani knee-jerk reaction.

Look, a LOT of students can't pass GAT-General. Call me crazy, but I think if you can't qualify this test, you are a worthless graduate. The mathematics and English they test on the GAT are on par with matriculation subjects. So, when students can't pass this test after multiple attempts, they hold this grudge against this institution and complain about NTS and GAT; not their own messed up institutes where they studied school, college, or their bachelors, who couldn't educate them enough to pass this simple test. (My score was 70 in first attempt without any preparation)

NTS plays the role in Pakistan that ETS plays worldwide. They provide testing facility for universities so they can admit students in their masters programs. It streamlines this process both for the students and the universities. Unless Pakistan has some better testing service provider hidden in its armpit, I don't think many universities would even care for this decision.

 

[Ottoman]

I doubt it would change things much. Apart from the fact that NTS is not under the umbrella of the government now. Echoing pretty much what the others have already said.

The petitioner in order to pursue her Ph.D in Chemistry applied for admission and was required to pass Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) conducted by NTS apparently working under the authority of the HEC.

The grievance of the petitioner was restricted to the marks awarded to her in the GAT by NTS and during the course of hearing this grievance was redressed.

[MENTION=11904]Ranger Taffles[/MENTION] The verdict has nought to do with the submitted petition. Is it allowed, under law, to pass judgement on something that has little relevance to the case at hand?

 

[Keyboardcowboy]

Ah crap, i didn't get good marks in FSc. I should have dragged the board's @$$ to court
I wonder how guys getting GPA above 3.5 fail the GAT test.
Totally agree with [MENTION=106948]fayaz88[/MENTION]

 

[Ranger Taffles]

I'll try my best to explain this. The issue is not the NTS services or their capabilities. No one is questioning their standards in comparison with other testing services. The issue was their claim as the only legal institution (on approval by HEC) to perform such services. It doesn't matter what the universities do, but the important line to be drawn was the legality. It ensures the extent of choices available.

I doubt it would change things much. Apart from the fact that NTS is not under the umbrella of the government now. Echoing pretty much what the others have already said.

[MENTION=11904]Ranger Taffles[/MENTION] The verdict has nought to do with the submitted petition. Is it allowed, under law, to pass judgement on something that has little relevance to the case at hand?

Ofcourse, probably because the petitioner probably filed for legality in one of the claims. Given her principle grievance being redressed (ironic on NTS' part), the court still has the duty to hear and address every point from either counsels. Moreover, if the court finds something as big as this - on legal basis speaking, it is highly likely they will put it in their judgement.

 

[Journeys End]

so my GAT application holds no value anymore?

 

[lakers808]

Most private institutes don't have their own tests. They'll still stick to NTS.