KARACHI: Questions have been raised over the absence of Urdu-language admission information in the BS Nursing Generic Admissions 2026–2029 process in Sindh, after applicants observed that the admission portal and publicly available advertisements were initially accessible only in English and Sindhi.
The admissions process is being conducted through the Directorate of Nursing Sindh in collaboration with the SIBA Testing Services (STS). Screenshots of the admission portal and promotional material reviewed by this correspondent showed no visible Urdu version at the time concerns were raised, prompting questions about accessibility for Urdu-speaking applicants.
Queries were sent to the Health Minister Sindh, Health Secretary Sindh, Directorate of Nursing Sindh, and STS seeking clarification on why Urdu, Pakistan's national language, was not prominently available in the admissions information.
Responding to the concerns, Director Nursing Sindh Najma Mangi acknowledged the importance of Urdu and stated: "I do agree with you because Urdu is the national language. I will discuss the STS Urdu version and add the advertisement."
Subsequently, an official from STS clarified that the online application form is already available in both English and Urdu. The STS official further stated that an Urdu newspaper advertisement for BS Nursing Admissions 2026 will soon be uploaded to the STS portal after its publication in an Urdu newspaper through the Information Department, Government of Sindh.
The latest clarification suggests that while the online application form includes an Urdu option, the Urdu-language admission advertisement had not yet been uploaded to the portal when the issue was highlighted.
The development has sparked discussion about the importance of ensuring that public admission information is simultaneously available in Urdu, Sindhi, and English to maximize accessibility and avoid confusion among prospective students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Despite repeated attempts, no response was received from the Health Minister Sindh, Health Secretary Sindh, or other relevant provincial authorities by the time this report was filed.
The BS Nursing Generic Admissions portal can be accessed through the official STS website, where admissions for the 2026–2029 session are currently open.
This report will be updated if further official responses are received from the Sindh government or other concerned authorities.
