Overview
The NUST Entry Test (NET) is the main route into undergraduate programmes at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan. NUST says more than 50,000 candidates sit the NET each year across all its series. This page is based on NUST's undergraduate brochure for the 2025 admission cycle, so check the NUST admissions site for the current cycle's details.
Who can apply
For the NET, NUST asks for a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in each of SSC and HSSC, or equivalent exams. Candidates with equivalent foreign qualifications need an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC).
HSSC candidates can apply on the basis of Part-I results, but admission is confirmed only once the full HSSC result is provided.
O and A Level candidates can apply on the basis of their O Level equivalence, with admission confirmed after an A Level equivalence certificate showing at least 60%.
Engineering and applied sciences programmes need an SSC or O Level in the science group.
Subject requirements at HSSC level differ by programme group.
| Programme group | HSSC requirement (summary) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical or computer studies group, with physics, chemistry or computer science, and mathematics or biology |
| Computing | Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical or computer studies group, or any HSSC with mathematics |
| Applied sciences | Pre-Medical with biology, physics and chemistry |
| Business studies and social sciences | HSSC; BS Accounting and Finance needs mathematics or accounting and finance. LLB also needs the HEC Law Admission Test with at least 50% |
| Architecture and industrial design | SSC and HSSC, each with mathematics and physics |
| Natural sciences | Pre-Engineering, with physics, mathematics or chemistry required depending on the programme |
MBBS admission at NUST does not use the NET. It accepts only the NUMS MDCAT with at least 55%.
Important dates
NUST holds the NET in four series. The brochure gives this typical pattern.
| Series | Online registration | Computer-based test (Islamabad, Quetta) | Paper-based test (Karachi, Gilgit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October to November | December | none listed |
| 2 | December to January | February | March |
| 3 | February to March | March to April | none listed |
| 4 | April to June | June to July | July |
Exact dates are announced each cycle. A candidate may sit more than one series to improve the score, and the best score counts. A NET result is valid only for the current admission cycle.
Fees
The 2025 brochure lists a NET application processing fee of Rs. 5,000 or USD 40 per exam per programme. Board position holders (first, second and third) in FSc Part-1 or DAE are exempt, and they apply for the waiver by email to the NUST admissions directorate with proof from their board.
Other routes
A few seats in all undergraduate programmes are reserved for admission through ACT or SAT scores. Pakistani candidates from both O and A Level and FA and FSc streams can use it. Minimum scores to apply (for example a composite ACT score of 25, or 550 in each SAT subject) are set by programme group. NUST's code for ACT is 2915 and for SAT is 2790, and scores stay valid for two years.
Preparation tips
Check which programme group you are applying to, because the test and the HSSC subjects needed depend on it.
Use an early series to learn the format. Your best score counts, though each series needs its own fee.
Is the NET result valid next year?
No. According to NUST's brochure, a NET result stays valid for the current admission cycle only.