The Higher Education Commission’s Research and Innovation Division has concluded the rigorous blind-review first phase for the NRPU Call 2025–26, marking a major step in the national research selection process. The exercise reviewed an unprecedented 6,926 research proposals submitted from institutions across the country.
To safeguard transparency, merit and academic integrity, leading reviewers and subject experts from top universities were engaged in Islamabad and at regional centres in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta, with additional evaluations conducted online. The structured review process for the NRPU Call drew on specialist peer assessment and established protocols to ensure fair consideration of each submission.
Managing thousands of evaluations required coordinated teamwork, strict adherence to review guidelines and strong support from HEC top management. The NRPU team completed the review cycle on schedule through sustained effort and close oversight, ensuring the selection process remained timely and robust.
HEC commends the dedication of all reviewers and extends appreciation to participating experts. The commission also congratulates applicants who have advanced to the second stage and reminds shortlisted teams that the last date to submit detailed proposals is 6th February 2026. Shortlisted candidates for the NRPU Call are advised to prepare and file their full proposals before the given deadline.
