Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Entry Test 2026-27
About This Entry Test
Quaid-i-Azam University has historically admitted undergraduates on academic merit (HSSC 70%, SSC 30%), with departmental aptitude tests only where mandatory and HEC LAT for LLB. In July 2026 QAU signed an MoU with HEC-ETC to use the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) for its undergraduate admissions. This page covers the undergraduate entry test requirement for Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad profile.
Test at a Glance
| Test name | HEC USAT (ETC-HEC) / departmental aptitude test where mandatory; LAT for LLB |
| Conducted by | HEC-ETC (USAT, per MoU signed July 2026); concerned department (aptitude test, if mandatory); HEC (LAT for LLB) |
| Applies to | QAU and ETC-HEC signed an MoU (July 2026) making the HEC Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) the admission test for QAU undergraduate programmes, held in six USAT categories across 12 cities. Under QAU rules, departmental aptitude tests apply only ‘if mandatory’ for a department and serve to shortlist; LLB requires HEC LAT (min 50). Pharm-D and most BS programmes in the Fall 2026 notice were admitted on academic merit (HSSC/SSC) without a test. Check official website for which programmes require USAT in the current cycle. |
| Eligibility | BS: minimum 50% in HSSC (Part-I acceptable), subject requirements per programme (e.g. Maths for Computer Science). LLB: 50% in FA/FSc plus LAT score >= 50. Pharm-D: FSc Pre-Medical with at least 60%. BS Governance & Policy Studies: 50%. |
| Schedule | Fall 2026: BS/LLB applications closed 10 Aug 2026; merit lists 15, 19, 23 Aug 2026; Pharm-D applications closed 29 Sep 2026, merit lists 5 and 8 Oct 2026. USAT dates: per HEC-ETC test calendar; check official website. |
| Merit weightage | BS (regular): HSSC Part-I 70% + SSC 30%. Pharm-D: HSSC 70% + SSC 30%. LLB: HSSC Part-I 50% + LAT 30% + SSC 20%. Self-finance: Matric 30 : FA/FSc 70. Departmental aptitude test score is for shortlisting only and is not counted in merit. Any USAT weightage: check official website. |
Test Format
USAT: HEC-ETC test in six categories (Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical, Computer Science, Arts/Humanities, Commerce, General Science); MCQ count, duration, negative marking: check etc.hec.gov.pk. QAU departmental aptitude test: pass mark 40%, details set by department.
Eligibility
BS: minimum 50% in HSSC (Part-I acceptable), subject requirements per programme (e.g. Maths for Computer Science). LLB: 50% in FA/FSc plus LAT score >= 50. Pharm-D: FSc Pre-Medical with at least 60%. BS Governance & Policy Studies: 50%.
How to Register
Apply online at http://ugadmissions.qau.edu.pk/oas/app/register.aspx (application processing fee Rs. 2,860 via Kuickpay/1-Bill for Fall 2026). USAT registration via HEC-ETC portal (etc.hec.gov.pk): fee check official website.
Test Schedule 2026-27
Fall 2026: BS/LLB applications closed 10 Aug 2026; merit lists 15, 19, 23 Aug 2026; Pharm-D applications closed 29 Sep 2026, merit lists 5 and 8 Oct 2026. USAT dates: per HEC-ETC test calendar; check official website.
Merit Formula
BS (regular): HSSC Part-I 70% + SSC 30%. Pharm-D: HSSC 70% + SSC 30%. LLB: HSSC Part-I 50% + LAT 30% + SSC 20%. Self-finance: Matric 30 : FA/FSc 70. Departmental aptitude test score is for shortlisting only and is not counted in merit. Any USAT weightage: check official website.
Preparation Tips
- Confirm on qau.edu.pk whether your chosen department requires USAT or a departmental aptitude test in the current cycle.
- Since merit is driven by HSSC marks (70%), strong Part-I results matter more than anything else.
- If USAT applies, prepare the HEC category matching your intermediate group using HSSC textbooks.
- LLB applicants must clear HEC LAT with at least 50 marks before applying.
- Watch the QAU website and official Facebook page: no call letters are sent for tests or interviews.
Official Links
- Official test / admission page
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 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.
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