NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi is the oldest engineering institution in Pakistan, founded as a college in 1921 and granted university status in 1977. For students in Sindh, and for many across the country, it is the first choice for engineering, architecture and computer science. This guide explains NED’s undergraduate admission process step by step: the online portal, eligibility, the Pre-Admission Entry Test, the official merit formula and the yearly timeline, using NED’s published information for Batch 2026.
Step 1: Register on the Admission Portal
NED runs its undergraduate admissions through the portal at ugadmissions.neduet.edu.pk. The process is simple:
- Register on the portal using your email address and CNIC (or B-Form number).
- Fill in your academic details and choose the programs you wish to apply for.
- Generate the fee voucher and pay it at the bank listed on the portal.
- Once payment is confirmed, download your admit card for the Pre-Admission Entry Test.
Use an email address you check regularly, because NED communicates test schedules and merit updates through the portal and email. Keep your login details safe; you will need them again when merit lists are announced.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
NED’s minimum requirements differ by program group:
| Program | Minimum HSC marks |
|---|---|
| BE (all engineering disciplines), B.Arch, BS Computer Science | 60% |
| Other BS programs | 50% |
Alongside the percentage, your HSC group must match the program. Engineering programs generally require Pre-Engineering, while computer science programs are open to Pre-Engineering and Computer Science students. Some programs also accept DAE or A-Level qualifications under equivalence rules. The prospectus lists the exact subject requirement for each department, so read the chapter for your chosen program.
If your HSC Part-II result has not been declared when applications open, NED allows you to apply with Part-I marks and update later, which is why the merit formula uses Part-I marks (explained below).
Step 3: The Pre-Admission Entry Test
NED conducts its own test, called the Pre-Admission Entry Test. It is not ECAT and it is not an NTS test; you must take NED’s own exam. The official format:
- The test is computer-based.
- It has 4 sections of 25 marks each, for a total of 100 marks. The sections depend on your HSC group (for example Pre-Engineering candidates face Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English).
- The pass mark is 50%. Candidates below 50 percent are not considered for merit.
- Two attempts are allowed, and the better score counts.
- For Batch 2026 the test was held between June and July.
The two-attempt rule is a real gift. Plan your first attempt as early as the schedule allows. Even if you do well, a second attempt can only help, because NED keeps your best score. Between attempts, review the sections where you lost marks and practise computer-based MCQs so the screen format feels natural.
Preparation should centre on your HSC textbooks. Because each section is only 25 marks, a single weak subject can pull your total down sharply. Aim for balanced preparation rather than mastering one subject. Compare NED’s test with other national tests in our entry tests section.
Step 4: Understand the Merit Formula
NED’s official merit formula is:
Merit = 40% of HSC Part-I marks + 60% of NED Entry Test marks
Here is a worked example. Suppose Sara has 470 out of 550 in HSC Part-I (85.45%) and scores 78 out of 100 in the NED test.
- HSC Part-I contribution: 85.45 × 0.40 = 34.18
- Entry test contribution: 78 × 0.60 = 46.80
- Aggregate: 34.18 + 46.80 = 80.98%
The entry test carries 60 percent of the weight, so it matters more than your college result. A student with 90 percent in HSC Part-I but only 60 in the test gets 36 + 36 = 72 percent, well below Sara. If you want to see how different test scores change your position, try our aggregate calculator or read our detailed explainer on how university merit is calculated.
NED publishes department-wise closing merits each year. Compare your aggregate with the previous year’s closing figure for your preferred department to judge your chances realistically.
Step 5: Know the Timeline
Based on NED’s Batch 2026 schedule, the admission year runs roughly as follows:
| Stage | Approximate timing (Batch 2026) |
|---|---|
| Admission advertised | Late March |
| Online registration and fee payment | April to May (check portal) |
| Pre-Admission Entry Test (two attempts) | June to July |
| Merit lists announced | Mid-July |
| Fee deposit and document verification | Late July to August |
| Classes begin | Mid-August |
Dates shift by a few weeks each year, so treat this as a pattern, not a promise. Follow the portal and our admissions page for the exact dates of the next batch.
Fees and Seat Categories
NED offers regular (merit) seats and self-finance seats. For regular seats, the fee structure is given in Chapter 8 of the NED Prospectus, which is available on the university website; we recommend reading it directly as the figures are revised periodically. For self-finance seats, NED has listed a fee of Rs 890,000 plus 3% tax.
Self-finance seats are for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and pass the test but do not reach the open-merit cut-off. They are a legitimate route into NED, but the cost is substantially higher, so discuss it carefully with your family. Also explore scholarships, as several need-based programs support engineering students in Sindh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ECAT or NTS score for NED admission?
No. NED requires its own Pre-Admission Entry Test. Scores from ECAT, NET or NAT are not substitutes. If you are applying to universities in both Punjab and Sindh, you will need to take more than one test; see our comparison of entry tests for planning tips.
What happens if I score below 50% in the NED test?
The pass mark is 50 percent. If you fall below it in your first attempt, use your second attempt. If both attempts are below 50 percent, you will not be placed on the merit list for that year.
Does NED use HSC Part-I or full HSC marks?
The official formula uses 40 percent of HSC Part-I marks. Many students’ Part-II results are not declared when merit lists are made in July, so Part-I is used. You may still have to submit your final HSC result later to confirm your admission; follow the instructions in your offer.
Comparing NED with other engineering universities such as UET Lahore or NUST? Visit our universities directory for side-by-side profiles.
Last updated: October 2026
Disclaimer: Pak Student Hub is an independent student information website and is not affiliated with any university. Fees, dates and merit figures change every year. Always confirm the latest details on the official university website before applying.