Finance Division extends Rs2,500 M.Phil allowance to HEC-equivalent degrees

The Finance Division has widened eligibility for its Rs2,500 monthly M.Phil allowance, according to Mettis Global. Under a memorandum dated September 14, 2026, federal staff holding qualifications that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) treats as equal to an M.Phil can now receive it, provided they submit an equivalence certificate. The change is effective from July 17, 2026.

Under the original 2016 policy, only holders of HEC-recognised M.Phil degrees qualified, and staff already drawing the Rs10,000 monthly Ph.D. allowance were excluded. The division says the M.Phil amount is currently 25% of the Ph.D. allowance, or Rs2,500 per month. In a November 24, 2025 memorandum, it had said no other degree, equivalent or not, was placed at par for the allowance.

The memorandum was issued by the Implementation section and sent to federal ministries and divisions. It marks a shift from the November 2025 position, when the division said HEC equivalence mainly served hiring and university entry decisions.