The University of the Punjab (PU) in Lahore is the oldest university in Pakistan, established in 1882. It is a large public university with many faculties and campuses, and its BS programmes attract students from all over Punjab and beyond. Because PU receives a huge number of applications, its admission system works in phases with multiple merit lists. This guide explains how the online portal works, how merit is decided and what you should do at each stage. For background on the university, see our University of the Punjab profile.
Faculties and Study Options at PU
PU offers BS degrees across a wide range of faculties. Whatever your intermediate group, there is likely a programme for you:
- Arts and Humanities
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Commerce, Economics and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Islamic Studies
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Oriental Learning
- Pharmacy
- Science
Many departments run classes in Morning, Afternoon and Evening shifts. The Morning shift is usually the most competitive and the least expensive. Afternoon and Evening programmes often have lower closing merit but higher fees. The degree awarded is the same, so students who narrowly miss the Morning list should not lose hope.
The Online Admission Portal
All BS applications at PU go through the official portal at admissions.pu.edu.pk. You do not need to visit the campus to apply. The portal lets you:
- Create an account and fill in one profile that can be used for several programmes.
- Choose departments and shifts and generate a fee challan for each application.
- Upload documents such as Matric and Intermediate result cards, CNIC or B-Form and a photograph.
- Track the status of your application and view merit lists when they are published.
A useful feature of the PU portal is the built-in merit calculator and the previous year’s merit data for each programme. Use these tools, along with our own merit calculator, to see which departments are realistic for your marks before paying application fees.
Who Can Apply: BS 1st Semester and 5th Semester Entry
The main intake is for BS first semester, open to students who have completed HSSC (FSc, FA, ICS, I.Com or equivalent). The eligibility percentage and required subjects vary by department, so read the programme page carefully. Some departments also admit students directly into the fifth semester of BS. This route is meant for candidates who already hold a relevant two-year degree or associate degree. If you are in that situation, check whether your chosen department offers fifth-semester entry in the current cycle.
Students from other boards or with A-Levels must provide an equivalence certificate from IBCC. Foreign and overseas Pakistani applicants should look for separate instructions on the portal.
How Merit Lists and Phases Work
Because PU has thousands of seats and even more applicants, admissions proceed in rounds. Here is how a typical cycle unfolds:
First phase
After the application deadline, each department prepares merit based on the formula shown on the portal, usually combining Matric and Intermediate marks, and in some cases entry test scores or subject-specific weightage. The first merit list is displayed on the portal and often on the department notice board. Selected students must submit their dues within the given dates or lose the seat.
Subsequent lists
When some selected students do not pay their fee, their seats are offered to the next candidates on the list through second and third merit lists. Keep checking the portal daily during this period, because the time between lists can be short.
Second phase for vacant seats
If seats remain empty after the first phase, PU opens a second phase of admissions. New applicants can apply, and students who missed the first phase get another chance. Closing merit in the second phase is often slightly lower, but there is no guarantee, so treat the first phase as your main opportunity.
Quota Seats and Co-Curricular Lists
Alongside open merit, PU reserves seats under different quotas. One well-known category is the co-curricular quota for students with achievements in sports, debates or other activities. Separate lists are published for these quotas on the portal. If you have certificates for recognised competitions, mention them in your application and check the detailed criteria for each quota. Other reserved categories may exist for specific regions or groups; the admission notice will specify them.
Fee Structure: Where to Find It
PU does not publish a single fee figure for all programmes. Fees differ by faculty, department and shift. The official amounts are given in the “Fee/Dues Schedule 2026-2027” PDF released by the university. Download it from the official website and look up your department and shift before you apply, so you know what the first semester will cost. We deliberately do not quote fee numbers here because they are revised every year. For help with funding, see our scholarships section, which lists need-based and merit-based options for public university students.
Practical Tips for PU Applicants
- Apply to several departments and shifts to increase your chances; each application has its own fee challan.
- Compare your estimated merit with last year’s closing merit shown on the portal.
- Keep original documents ready, as departments verify them at the time of enrolment.
- Note the fee submission deadline for each merit list; a missed deadline usually means the seat goes to the next student.
- Follow our admissions page and the official PU notices for updates about phases and lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both Morning and Evening shifts in the same department?
In most cases yes, but each shift is treated as a separate application with its own fee. Applying to both improves your chances if the Morning merit is high.
What happens if my name is not in the first merit list?
Wait for the next lists. Seats become vacant when selected students do not pay. If seats are still empty after all lists, the second phase opens and you can apply again.
Where can I see last year’s closing merit?
The PU admission portal provides previous year’s merit information for each programme along with a merit calculator. Use it as a guide, remembering that closing merit changes every year.
Looking at other options too? Browse all universities and read more admission guides on Pak Student Hub.
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. Admission phases, merit formulas and fees are set by the University of the Punjab and may change. Always confirm on the official website. Last updated: October 2026.