Frequently Asked Questions (UG-Admission)
Yes, as per PEC regulation No PEC/EAD/46-VCCM/Regulations/2003 dated 30 March 2023, candidates having combination of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Studies / Computer Science (ICS) or equivalent are eligible to apply for all the Engineering programs offered by NUST, but they have to clear Chemistry as a remedial subject / course in the 1st Semester after admission.
Candidates, who already appeared in any NET series during current admission cycle, will also be able to update their choice preferences while applying for Series-4 or after the announcement of merit, before start of the selection process.
Yes, on the basis of Pre-Medical result, however the candidate has to submit the additional math result with 60% or more marks while joining NUST.
Yes, but they have to clear deficient Mathematics courses of 6 credit hours, within one year of enrollment in the programme.
Yes, by paying additional application fee provided you meet eligibility criteria.
Re-checking of Paper Based Entry Test may be requested within 5 days of the declaration of result along with a fee of Rs.500/- in the form of a bank draft/pay order in favour of NUST. The original bank daft / pay order should be dispatched to Admissions Directorate, NUST, Sector H-12, Islamabad, along with written application. Re-checking involves the verification of paper for any unmarked answers and error free totaling of marks.
Desirous candidates may obtain the result details of their Test from the link available on NUST website.
Mock Test for Computer Based / Paper Based Test are available on NUST website www.ugadmissions.nust.edu.pk under the link Sample Test, for candidates to practice.
If you are temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than Pakistan, and hold either a Pakistani passport, or dual nationality (one of them being Pakistani), you fall under the Expatriate Student category.
Those students who show good academic performance and maintain minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 in case of all UG programmes are eligible to get financial assistance, as per policy in each semester.
The options available to candidates for admission in various programmes according to their academic background are as follows. However, all non-FSc stream candidates must have equivalence certificates duly obtained from IBCC, Pakistan in relevant groups/subjects, as spelled out in “Eligibility Criteria”.
(Details of Engineering programmes available for DAE candidates are covered separately under DAE Eligibility Critria):-| Academic Qualification | Programmes to Apply |
| FSc / FA Stream | |
| Pre-Engineering group | Engineering and Computing Programs |
| BS Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| BS Food Sciences and Technology | |
| Pre-Medical group | BS Biotechnology, BS Food Sciences and Technology, BS Environmental Science |
| BS Chemistry | |
| Computing Programs | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science as major subjects | Engineering and Computing Programs |
| BS Mathematics, BS Physics | |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Pre-Medical with additional Mathematics | All Programmes |
| Pre-Engineering with additional Biology | All Programmes |
| Mathematics & Physics as (two of three) major subjects | BS Mathematics, BS Physics |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Mathematics as (one of three) major subject | BS Mathematics |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Accounting & Finance or Accountancy as ( one of three) major subject | BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management |
| FA or equivalent (without Mathematics and / or Accounting & Finance) | BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management |
| A Level / 12 grade / International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP) or Equivalent | |
| Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics as major subjects | Engineering and Computing Programs |
| BS Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| BS Food Sciences and Technology | |
| Biology, Chemistry and Physics as major subjects | BS Biotechnology, BS Food Sciences and Technology, BS Environmental Science |
| BS Chemistry | |
| Computing Programs | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics as major subjects | BS Biotechnology |
| BS Mathematics, Chemistry | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Biology and Chemistry as (two of three) major subjects | BS Biotechnology |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science as major subjects | Engineering and Computing Programs |
| BS Mathematics, Physics | |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology as major subjects | All Programmes |
| Mathematics & Physics as (two of three) major subjects | BS Mathematics, Physics |
| B Architecture, B Industrial Design | |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Mathematics as (one of three) major subject | BS Mathematics |
| BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | |
| Accounting & Finance or Accountancy as (one of three) major subject | BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, BS Accounting & Finance, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management |
| Any other combination of subjects | BBA, BS Public Administration, BS Mass Communication, BS Economics, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Candidates of O/A level or any other foreign qualification are advised to contact IBCC, Pakistan for issuance of equivalence certificates as per university requirements with more than 60% marks in required subjects / group, well in time. Any deficiency of subjects or non-provision of IBCC equivalence certificate before start of classes will lead to cancellation of admission at any stage.
If you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can apply for admission on the basis of NET or ACT / SAT (International seat) or both as per policy in vogue.
Yes, you can apply, as in such case you will be evaluated on the basis of ‘O’ levels equivalence marks but you have to provide equivalence certificate of ‘A’ level within 15 days of announcement of result, as follows:
a. For BS Biotechnology: For finalization of merit.
b. For Other Disciplines: Before the commencement of academic classes.
NUST is conducting NET in paper based format on one day and in computer based format in two sessions daily, on different days, as per the schedule. As per policy, if a candidate misses the Test session he / she is not given another chance. But in case of extreme emergency, requests may be entertained on case to case basis, depending on availability of space.
For this, you have to get your name changed on your Matric or O level equivalence certificate (SSC), because University will use your name as per your Matric or O level equivalence certificate (SSC), duly issued by IBCC.
- DAE candidate should have completed DAE with minimum 60% marks in Matric as well as DAE
- The detail of Engineering programmes offered to DAE candidates as approved by Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) is given below:-
| Sr. | DAE Background | Offered Engg Programmes |
| 1. | Diploma in Electrical Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Mechatronics Engg | ||
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg | ||
| Environmental Engg | ||
| 2. | Diploma in Electronics Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Mechatronics Engg | ||
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 3. | Diploma in Instrumentation / Instrumentation & Process Control Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Mechatronics Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg | ||
| 4. | Diploma in Telecommunication Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 5. | Diploma in Precision Mechanical and Instrument Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Mechanical Engg | ||
| 6. | Diploma in Mechanical Technology | Mechanical Engg |
| Mechatronics Engg | ||
| Environmental Engg | ||
| Aerospace Engg | ||
| 7. | Diploma in Mechanical Technology (Power) | Mechanical Engg |
| 8. | Diploma in Mechanical Technology (Production) | Mechanical Engg |
| 9. | Diploma in Auto & Diesel Technology | Mechanical Engg |
| 10. | Diploma in Automation Technology | Mechanical Engg |
| Electrical Engg | ||
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg | ||
| Mechatronics Engg | ||
| Aerospace Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 11. | Diploma in Bio-Medical Technology | Mechanical Engg |
| 12. | Diploma in Dies & Mould Technology | Mechanical Engg |
| 13. | Diploma in Chemical Technology | Chemical Engg |
| Environmental Engg | ||
| 14. | Diploma in Chemical Technology (Specialization in Sugar Technology) | Chemical Engg |
| 15. | Diploma in Petro Chemical Technology | Chemical Engg |
| 16. | Diploma in Petroleum Technology | Chemical Engg |
| Environmental Engg | ||
| 17. | Diploma in Computer Information Technology | Computer Engg |
| Software Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 18. | Diploma in Computer Technology | Computer Engg |
| Software Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 19. | Diploma in Software Technology | . |
| Software Engg | ||
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 20. | Diploma in Information Technology | Electrical Engg |
| 21. | Diploma in Civil Technology | Civil Engg |
| Geo Informatics Engg | ||
| Environmental Engg | ||
| 22. | Diploma in Land and Mine Surveying Technology | Civil Engg |
| Geo Informatics Engg | ||
| 23. | Diploma in Avionics Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Avionics Engg | ||
| 24. | Diploma in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | Mechanical Engg |
| 25. | Diploma in Chemical Processing Technology | Chemical Engg |
| 26. | Diploma in Architecture Technology | Civil Engg |
| 27. | Diploma in Radar / Radio Technology | Electrical Engg |
| Computer Engg | ||
| Software Engg |
If selected on the basis of NET and ACT / SAT on national as well as international seat, you have the option to retain any one seat of your own choice.
Separate admission form will be available on NUST website for applying on the basis of ACT / SAT and NUST entry test (NET). Those applying on ACT / SAT basis does not require to appear in NET, however they can opt for NET in addition to ACT /SAT Specified seats. In this way, they will be considered for both the streams.
Yes, the marks entered for FSc part-1 will be utilized for merit generation. However on joining NUST, the candidate must have secure 60% or more marks in FSc complete result.
Equivalence certificates duly issued by IBCC Pakistan are necessary for those candidates who do not possess Matric & FSc / FA qualifications. Submission of only O&A level grade / mark sheets will not serve the purpose. All non FSc stream candidates must have equivalence certificate of their qualification, duly obtained from IBCC, Pakistan in relevant groups/subjects and with minimum 60% marks.
Yes, as per migration policy, students can apply for migration after completion of first year and before the beginning of final year. However, applicants with exceptionally good academic record are considered for migration to NUST. For detailed migration policy click here.
There is no age limit for Undergraduate Admission.
No, there is no negative marking.
Currently, the following Programmes are being offered:
| Electrical Engineering |
|
| Mechanical Engineering | SMME, Islamabad, College of E&ME, Rawalpindi, and PNEC, Karachi |
| Computer Engineering | College of E&ME, Rawalpindi |
| Mechatronics Engineering | College of E&ME, Rawalpindi |
| Software Engineering | MCS, Rawalpindi, and SEECS, Islamabad |
| BE Information Security | MCS, Rawalpindi |
| Civil Engineering | MCE (Risalpur), SCEE (Islamabad), NBC (Quetta) |
| Environmental Engineering | SCEE, Islamabad |
| Geoinformatics Engineering | SCEE (IGIS), Islamabad |
| Avionics Engineering | CAE, Risalpur |
| Aerospace Engineering | CAE, Risalpur |
| BS Computer Science | SEECS (Islamabad), NBC (Quetta) |
| Chemical Engineering | SCME, Islamabad |
| Metallurgy and Materials Engineering | SCME, Islamabad |
| BBA | NBS, Islamabad |
| BS Tourism and Hospitality Management | NBS, Islamabad |
| BS Economics | S3H, Islamabad |
| BS Public Administration | S3H, Islamabad |
| BS Mass Communication | S3H, Islamabad |
| BS Psychology | S3H, Islamabad |
| BS Accounting & Finance | NBS, Islamabad |
| LLB | S3H, Islamabad |
| BS Biotechnology | ASAB, Islamabad |
| BS Food Sciences and Technology | ASAB, Islamabad |
| BS Bioinformatics | SINES, Islamabad |
| BS Data Science | SEECS, Islamabad |
| BS Environmental Science | SCEE, Islamabad |
| Bachelor in Architecture | SADA, Islamabad |
| Bachelor in Industrial Design | SADA, Islamabad |
| Naval Architecture Engineering | PNEC, Karachi |
| BS Mathematics | SNS, Islamabad |
| BS Physics | SNS, Islamabad |
| BS Chemistry | SNS, Islamabad |
- Admission is granted on the basis of candidates’ performance in NUST Entry Test (NET) or ACT / SAT score for which limited number of seats are reserved.
- The entire process of registration for admission is online.
- Candidates must be in possession of CNIC or Form B or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis).
- Pakistani nationals (including dual nationality holders) and foreign nationals can opt to apply on both NET and ACT / SAT basis. However, foreign nationals have to pay tuition fee and allied charges a per international student fee structure.
- For applying for Registration:-
- FA / FSc stream candidates should have passed Part-I exam. For those candidates who have completed their HSSC should have minimum 60% marks. All candidates must have 60% marks in SSC as well.
- A level students should have obtained minimum 60% marks in O level as per equivalence certificate issued by IBCC.
- When applications for admissions are invited, candidates are first required to get registered by providing valid email address. On provision of registration number, the candidate is required to fill up the online admission form and deposit specified processing fee.
- Candidates can appear in the entry test more than once to improve their score. The merit for admission is prepared on the basis of best score.
- For every attempt to appear in NET, a separate application is to be filled up.
- Computer based entry tests for all disciplines are held in multiple series at NUST Campus Islamabad and Quetta according to the following schedule:
- Series-1: 2 Dec 2023 onwards
- Series-2: Feb 2024
- Series-3: Mar - Apr 2024
- Series-4: Jun - Jul 2024
- Paper based entry test is conducted at Karachi and Gilgit.
- In Series-2 & 4, candidates have an option either to appear for Paper Based Test at Karachi/Gilgit or Computer Based Test at Islamabad and Quetta.
- In Computer-based Entry Test, candidates can select the date and session of test according to their choice depending on availability of space.
- Admission process for all undergraduate programmes is conducted once a year to facilitate the commencement of the academic year in Fall.
- For more details, please visit NUST website www.nust.edu.pk.
NUST Entry Test is conducted in the following subjects for various categories:
- Engineering (Pre-Engineering group): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English & Intelligence
- Engineering (Computer Science group): Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, English & Intelligence
- Software Engineering, Computer Engineering and BE Information Security programmes:
For Pre Engineering / Computer Science group
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry / Computer Science, English & Intelligence
- BS Computer Science programme:
For Pre Engineering / Computer Science group
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry / Computer Science, English & Intelligence
For Pre Medical candidates
Quantitative (Basic Mathematics), Physics, Chemistry, English & Intelligence
- BS Biotechnology / BS Food Sciences and Technology/BS Environmental Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Intelligence
- Business Studies & Social Sciences/LLB: Verbal (English), General Mathematics & Intelligence
- BS Mathematics: Mathematics, English & Intelligence
- BS Physics: Physics, Mathematics, English & Intelligence
- BS Chemistry: Chemistry, English & Intelligence
- Bachelor in Architecture / Bachelor in Industrial Design: Mathematics, Physics, English, Intelligence
Any candidate can apply for admission on the basis of ACT / SAT provided he / she has score for the prescribed disciplines of study. Separate admission form will be available on NUST website for this purpose. Admission on ACT / SAT basis has two categories, i.e National and International. Candidates admitted on National seats pay tuition fee and allied charges in Pak currency whereas candidates admitted against International seats pay the required dues at rates defined for international students. For admission against international seats, the following categories will be eligible:-
- Pakistani national students having passed an examination equivalent to intermediate level of Pakistan from a foreign education system.
- Foreigners and Pakistanis having dual nationality, irrespective of the place of their HSSC study, i.e Pakistan or abroad.
- Pakistani students who studied abroad but have passed the requisite examination from a Pakistani board.
While applying for admission, possession of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) / Form 'B' or NICOP is mandatory. Online registration system does not require attachment of documents / credentials. However, the same will be required for verification during selection and admission process of selected candidates.
Gap year / repeater candidates are being considered as normal candidates and there is no penalization while generating the merit.
Last date for ACT / SAT score to reach NUST directly from College Board, USA, is 20 July, 2023.
NUST institutional code to receive ACT scores is 2915 and of SAT scores is 2790. ACT / SAT scores are valid for two years only.
It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure the provision of ACT / SAT scores to Undergraduate Section, NUST, Sector H-12, Islamabad by the given deadline.
NUST requires ACT / SAT scores for admission in undergraduate programmes as per following details:-
| Programmes | ACT / SAT Scores Required |
| Engineering | ACT Composite Score (Minimum score to apply – 25) |
| Computer Science | |
| BS Biotechnology | |
| Architecture & Industrial Design | |
| Natural Sciences (Math / Phy / Chem) | ACT STEM Score (Minimum score to apply – 25) |
| Business Studies and Social Sciences / LLB | SAT-1 (Minimum score to apply in each subject – 550)
OR ACT Score of Maths, English and Reading (Minimum score to apply in each subject – 25) |
For all programmes there are 200 MCQs to be attempted in three hours
All Engineering and Computing Programs (BS Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Software Engineering / BE Information Security)
- Minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification (Science Group) and FSc / A level / equivalent qualification (Pre-Engineering Group OR Computer Science Group@).
- DAE candidates can apply for admission in selected Engineering programmes on open merit.
@ Such candidates will have to clear Chemistry as a remedial subject / course in the 1st Semester after admission.
BS Computer Science programme
Minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification (Science Group) and FSc / A level / equivalent qualification (Pre-Engineering OR Computer Science Group OR Pre-Medical Group#).
# Candidates with FSc Pre-Medical / equivalent qualification enrolled in BS Computer Science programme without taking additional Mathematics. They will have to clear deficient Mathematics courses of 6 credit hours, within one year.
BS Biotechnology / BS Environmental Science
Minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification (Science Group) and FSc / A level / equivalent qualification (Pre-Medical Group).
B. Architecture / B. Industrial Design
Minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification (with Mathematics & Physics) and FSc / A level / equivalent qualification (Pre-Engineering OR Computer Science Group OR any combination including Physics & Mathematics).
Business Studies & Social Sciences/LLB
Minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification and FA / FSc / A level / equivalent qualification.
For BBA, BS Economics, BS Mass Communication and BS Public Administration, BS Psychology, LLB, BS Tourism and Hospitality Management
Intermediate or an equivalent qualification, such as an Overseas High School Certificate / British General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) / International Baccalaureate / Advance Placement.
For LLB, Valid HEC Law Admission Test (LAT) scores with minimum 50% marks is mandatory.
For BS Accounting & Finance, Intermediate or an equivalent qualification like overseas High School Certificate / British General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) / International Baccalaureate / Advanced placement with Mathematics or Accounting and Finance or Accountancy as one of the major subjects.
BS Mathematics
A minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification, and intermediate / A level / equivalent qualification with mathematics as one of the major subject.
BS Physics
A minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification, and intermediate / A level / equivalent qualification with Physics and Mathematics as two of the major subjects.
BS Chemistry
A minimum of 60% marks each in Matric / O level / Equivalent qualification, and intermediate / A level / equivalent qualification with Chemistry as major subject along with Physics OR Mathematics.
Application processing fee will be charged according to the following structure:
- NUST Entry Test (per exam)
- Pakistani / Dual Nationality Holder - Rs. 5,000/- or USD 35/-
- Foreign National (Non Pakistani) - Rs. 10,000/- or USD 80/-
- For ACT / SAT Candidate
- ACT / SAT based National seat - Rs. 5,000/- or USD 40/-
- ACT / SAT based International seat - Rs. 10,000/- or USD 80/-
The fee in Pakistani rupees can be deposited in any branch of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) on the fee invoice to be printed after successful completion / submission of online application. Application processing fee is neither refundable nor transferable. It will remain valid only for the series for which it has been paid.
Intelligence questions will pertain to Arithmetical Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Analytical Approach and Problem Solving.
NUST Entry Test is primarily based on FA / FSc level studies (Part-1 & Part-II) and questions are in the form of MCQs with four answer options each. The paper of English is on the pattern of SAT exam. The test also includes Intelligence part. Sample Test.
Textbooks are consulted while developing the question bank. Grasping the concepts available in different textbooks will be beneficial.
Result of computer-based NET is uploaded within 24 hours and the paper-based NET, within 5 to 7 working days.
The university will refund only the security deposit to the candidates who do not join the university. Admission Processing Fee is non-refundable.