This research aimed to investigate the disparity between the levels of competence-related learning outcomes and those anticipated from PhD programmes at four public institutions in Punjab.The study was done in two parts using a mixed-methods confirmatory methodology. During the first phase, a self-designed questionnaire was used to gather electronic data from 269 PhD grads to measure their projected levels of competence-related learning outcomes. The purpose of this phase was to gather this data. Meanwhile, 72 teaching staff were questioned for confirmation of the results of the first phase of the research. PhD students predicted a high degree of knowledge gain, while faculty members believed that PhD holders displayed a moderate level of knowledge acquisition. A sample t-test demonstrated a statistically significant gap between the levels of competence-related learning outcomes realized by PhD graduates and those anticipated. According to the conclusions of the research, the HEC should include pertinent elements of the NQF in the curriculum designs for the PhD programme.