In the beginning, research activities were very limited in the teaching departments of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. IUB started offering PhD programs in 1986. Historically, MPhil and PhD were offered in a limited number of disciplines. Due to the growing interest among candidates in seeking admission to MPhil and PhD programs, the university has experienced considerable expansion in MPhil and PhD education. At that time, the Academic Division initiated admissions for PhD programs under the supervision of the Registrar. Later, the section of the Advanced Studies and Research Board was established within the Academic Division. Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ahmad, Director of Advanced Studies and Research, established the Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research in 2014 to address the research degree requirements and provide the best service to all stakeholders of MPhil/PhD degree programs. The Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur is the focal point of academic policy that advances postgraduate studies, works for the advancement of research and scholarly development in all subjects. The Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research offers admissions twice a year, in Spring and Fall semesters, for MPhil/MS/MSc (Hons)LLM/MBA, doctoral and postdoctoral programs in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Languages, Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Arts and Humanities, enabling potential candidates to pursue higher education and research opportunities. It has led the university's research culture and promoted innovation and interdisciplinary research, as well as promoted the integration of academic activities with the national and international research standards. The Directorate works to improve the quality, integrity and contribution of higher education in the university through its institutional policies and ongoing academic assistance.
