University
NUST conducts its own computer-based entry test, the NET, in several series each year for admission to all its undergraduate programmes. NET carries 75% weight in the merit, with separate papers for Engineering, Applied Sciences, Business/Social Sciences, Architecture and Natural Sciences. This page covers the undergraduate entry test requirement for National University of Sciences and Technology profile.
Test at a Glance
| Test name | NUST Entry Test (NET) |
| Conducted by | University itself (NUST) |
| Applies to | All undergraduate programmes at NUST: Engineering & Computing (NET-Engineering), Applied Sciences (NET-Applied Sciences: Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Food Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Physics), Business & Social Sciences (NET-BS&SS: BBA, Public Administration, Mass Communication, Economics, Psychology, Accounting & Finance, LLB, Tourism, Liberal Arts, IR), Architecture & Industrial Design (NET-Architecture), Natural Sciences (NET-NS). Exempt: candidates applying on SAT/ACT basis (national or international seats); international seats use SAT/ACT at 100%. |
| Eligibility | Minimum 60% aggregate marks each in SSC and HSSC (or equivalent; O/A Level via IBCC equivalence >60%). Engineering: HSSC Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, Pre-Medical, or Pre-Medical with additional Maths (Pre-Medical without additional Maths must complete an 8-week condensed NUST Maths course). Computing: HSSC with Mathematics. Applied Sciences: HSSC Pre-Medical. Architecture: Maths and Physics in SSC and HSSC. BBA: any HSSC combination; BS A&F: Maths/Accounting as mandatory subject. |
| Schedule | NET-2027 Series 1 registration: 4 Oct to 14 Nov 2026 (official). Tentative later series: Series 2 Dec 2026-Jan 2027, Series 3 Feb-Mar 2027, Series 4 Apr-May 2027. Exact test dates: check official website. |
| Merit weightage | NET 75% + HSSC/A Level/equivalent 15% + SSC/O Level/equivalent 10% (A Level final-year candidates: O Level equivalence 25%). SAT/ACT-based national seats: same 75/15/10 split with SAT/ACT replacing NET; international seats: SAT/ACT 100%. |
Test Format
MCQ-based with four options per question, drawn from SSC/HSSC (Part-I & II) textbooks; English section follows SAT pattern. Subject weightings: NET-Engineering Maths 50%, Physics 30%, English 20%; NET-Applied Sciences Biology 50%, Chemistry 30%, English 20%; NET-BS&SS Quantitative Maths 50%, English 50%; NET-Architecture Design Aptitude 50%, Maths 30%, English 20%; NET-Natural Sciences Maths 50%, English 50%. Computer-based test (CBT) at Islamabad H-12 and Quetta (sessions 0900-1200 and 1400-1700); paper-based at Karachi (DHA City) and Gilgit. Total MCQs, duration per paper, and negative marking policy: check official website.
Eligibility
Minimum 60% aggregate marks each in SSC and HSSC (or equivalent; O/A Level via IBCC equivalence >60%). Engineering: HSSC Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, Pre-Medical, or Pre-Medical with additional Maths (Pre-Medical without additional Maths must complete an 8-week condensed NUST Maths course). Computing: HSSC with Mathematics. Applied Sciences: HSSC Pre-Medical. Architecture: Maths and Physics in SSC and HSSC. BBA: any HSSC combination; BS A&F: Maths/Accounting as mandatory subject.
How to Register
Online at https://ugadmissions.nust.edu.pk/ (New Registration for NET, then login to download admit card). Multiple attempts allowed across series, best score counts; one attempt per discipline per series. Registration/processing fee: check official website.
Test Schedule 2026-27
NET-2027 Series 1 registration: 4 Oct to 14 Nov 2026 (official). Tentative later series: Series 2 Dec 2026-Jan 2027, Series 3 Feb-Mar 2027, Series 4 Apr-May 2027. Exact test dates: check official website.
Merit Formula
NET 75% + HSSC/A Level/equivalent 15% + SSC/O Level/equivalent 10% (A Level final-year candidates: O Level equivalence 25%). SAT/ACT-based national seats: same 75/15/10 split with SAT/ACT replacing NET; international seats: SAT/ACT 100%.
Preparation Tips
- Study only from FSc/HSSC Part-I and Part-II prescribed textbooks; NUST states NET is textbook-based and it provides no prep material.
- Prioritise the highest-weighted subject for your stream (Maths 50% for Engineering/Computing, Biology 50% for Applied Sciences) and practise speed on MCQs.
- Practise SAT-style English (sentence completion, comprehension, vocabulary) since the English paper follows the SAT pattern.
- Attempt the official sample/demo test on the NUST site to get used to the CBT interface and timing.
- Use the multiple-series system: sit an early series, analyse weak areas, and re-attempt; the best score is counted.
Official Links
- Official test / admission page
- National University of Sciences and Technology profile on Pak Student Hub
- Admission schedules and Merit Calculator
- How university merit is calculated
- ECAT vs NET vs NAT – which test to take
- All entry tests
Last updated: 18 October 2026. Test patterns, fees and dates are set by the university or test body and change every year. Always confirm on the official website before registering.