ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has clarified that social sciences teachers of all public sector universities whose research work appeared in two-star journals will be allowed to apply for the Tenure Track System (TTS).

However, this criteria will only be applicable until June 30, 2008, after which teachers with research work carried by three- and four-star journals will avail the opportunity.

In response to a news item “HEC agrees to relax criteria for QAU faculty” published in Dawn on October 10, the HEC said it had not relaxed the rules for any particular university.

The HEC said it had finalised the list of research journals for arts, humanities and social sciences for publication of research work, which is a prerequisite for applying for a post under the TTS.

In this regard, more than 70 experts in 18 disciplines of humanities and social sciences met in Islamabad to determine if over 125 journals published in the country met the criteria approved by the HEC for recognised journals.

While 125 research journals in arts, humanities and social sciences were reviewed, only 36 were found worth consideration. HEC has devised a star system categorisation of such journals for the purpose. Not a single Pakistani journal meets a four-star rating, while only two journals have been rated as three star.

Furthermore, 16 journals were able to meet part of the eligibility criteria and were rated two-star.

In addition, 18 journals were given one-star category. Publication in three- and four-star journals will be valid for appointments under the TTS as well as BPS system in addition to enlisting as supervisor and for PhD research publications.

Journals having two-star rating will be recognised for appointments in BPS and for approved supervisors as well as PhD for a period of two years only following which only three- and four-star journals will be recognised.

One- to four-star journals will be eligible for HEC financial support until June 30, 2008, after which support will only be provided to journals meeting the HEC journal standards completely.