📅 Last Updated: January 2026
(Admission rules, NET dates, merit criteria, and fee structure may change. Always confirm details from the official NUST admissions portal before applying.)

The National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) is one of Pakistan’s top public sector universities, famous for engineering, computer science, business, medical sciences, architecture, and social sciences. Admission is based mainly on the NUST Entry Test (NET) and academic performance.

This complete guide explains how to apply step-by-step, NET test structure, merit calculation, documents required, province-wise considerations, real problems students face, and practical tips for Pakistani applicants.

📌 1️⃣ What Is NUST?

NUST is a federal public university with campuses in:

• Islamabad (Main Campus – H-12)

• Rawalpindi (Military College of Signals – MCS)

• Risalpur (CAE – Aeronautical Engineering)

• Karachi (PNEC – Naval Engineering)

• Quetta (Balochistan Campus)

NUST offers:

✔ BS Programs
✔ Engineering Degrees
✔ Business & Management
✔ Medical & Biosciences
✔ Architecture & Design
✔ MS / MPhil / PhD Programs

💬 Roman Urdu:
“NUST Pakistan ki top engineering aur science universities mein se hai jahan admission NET test par hota hai.”

👤 2️⃣ Who Can Apply?

You can apply if:

✔ Pakistani or Overseas Pakistani student
✔ Completed or currently studying:

• FSc

• A-Levels

• ICS

• IB
  ✔ Meet minimum academic criteria
  ✔ Pass NET test or equivalent pathway

❌ Not Eligible

❌ Failed minimum required marks
❌ Fake academic documents
❌ Incomplete application submission

🎓 3️⃣ Eligibility Criteria (Undergraduate – 2026)

Minimum Academic Requirement:

✔ Minimum 60% marks in Matric + FSc (or equivalent)

Program Requirements:

A-Level Students:

✔ Must submit equivalence certificate from IBCC.

🧪 4️⃣ NUST Entry Test (NET) – Complete Details

NET is conducted multiple times per year.

NET Series (Typical Structure)

• NET-1 (Nov–Dec)

• NET-2 (Feb–Mar)

• NET-3 (Apr–May)

• NET-4 (Jun–Jul)

👉 Students can attempt multiple NETs — highest score counts.

🧠 NET Test Format

Engineering / CS:

• Mathematics

• Physics

• English

• Intelligence

Business / Social Sciences:

• Mathematics / Basic Math

• English

• IQ / Analytical

Architecture:

• Mathematics

• Drawing Test

• English

• Intelligence

💬 Tip:
“NET mein speed aur concepts dono important hain.”

🪜 5️⃣ Step-by-Step – How to Apply for NUST Admission 2026

🟢 Step 1 – Create Account on NUST Portal

Go to NUST official admission website.

Create account with:

✔ Email
✔ Mobile number
✔ Password

🟢 Step 2 – Select Program & NET Series

Choose:

• Desired program

• Preferred NET session

• Test center (Islamabad / Karachi / Quetta etc.)

🟢 Step 3 – Fill Online Application

Enter:

✔ Personal information
✔ Academic history
✔ Father/Guardian details
✔ Educational background

Make sure spelling matches CNIC.

🟢 Step 4 – Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies:

✔ CNIC/Form-B
✔ Passport photo
✔ Academic transcripts
✔ Equivalence (A-Level students)

Clear PDF scans recommended.

🟢 Step 5 – Pay Application Fee

Payment methods:

✔ Bank challan
✔ Online banking

Without payment → test registration invalid.

🟢 Step 6 – Download Admit Card

After payment confirmation:

✔ Download entry test slip
✔ Check test date & center

🟢 Step 7 – Take NET Test

Bring:

✔ Original CNIC/Form-B
✔ Admit card
✔ Basic stationery

🟢 Step 8 – Check Result & Merit Position

After NET:

✔ Check result online
✔ Merit lists announced later

🟢 Step 9 – Admission Offer & Confirmation

If selected:

✔ Upload remaining documents
✔ Pay admission dues
✔ Confirm seat before deadline

📊 6️⃣ Merit Calculation (NUST System)

Merit usually based on:

✔ NET Score (major weightage)
✔ FSc / A-Level Marks
✔ Matric Marks

Example:

• NET Score: ~75%

• FSc Marks: ~15%

• Matric Marks: ~10%

⚠️ Exact formula may vary by program.

💰 7️⃣ Fee Structure (Estimated 2026)

📍 Undergraduate Fees

👉 First semester total:
💰 Approx PKR 200,000 – 300,000

🎟️ 8️⃣ Scholarships & Financial Aid

NUST offers:

✔ Need-based financial aid
✔ Merit scholarships
✔ Alumni-funded scholarships
✔ HEC scholarships

Apply through:

• Financial aid form

• Income proof

• Salary slips

• Utility bills

🌍 9️⃣ Province-Wise Considerations

📍 Punjab

✔ Multiple test centers available
✔ Coaching centers widely available

📍 Sindh (Karachi)

✔ Karachi test center available
✔ Business & CS applicants common

📍 KP

✔ Islamabad center most used
✔ Online prep recommended

📍 Balochistan

✔ Quetta campus & test access
✔ Travel planning important

🌎 Overseas Pakistanis

✔ SAT-based pathway available (check official policy yearly)

⚠️ 🔟 Common Mistakes & What If Application Fails?

❌ Wrong Academic Info

👉 Double-check marks before submission.

❌ Missed NET Registration

👉 Register for next NET session.

❌ Low NET Score

👉 Attempt next NET — highest score considered.

❌ Application Rejected

👉 Usually due to incomplete documents.

❌ Merit Too Low

👉 Apply to alternative programs or next cycle.

🚫 1️⃣1️⃣ How to Avoid Problems During NUST Application

✔ Attempt NET multiple times
✔ Start preparation early
✔ Upload clear scanned documents
✔ Don’t wait for last NET only
✔ Check email & SMS regularly

❓ 1️⃣2️⃣ FAQs – Pakistani Students

Q1: Can I give NET multiple times?
✔ Yes — best score counts.

Q2: Is SAT accepted?
✔ Limited categories only — verify from NUST.

Q3: Can Pre-Medical students apply to CS?
✔ Sometimes allowed with additional math requirements.

Q4: Do I need hostel booking early?
✔ Yes — seats limited.

Q5: When do merit lists come?
✔ Usually July–August.

Q6: Can girls apply?
✔ Yes — equal admission opportunity.

🏁 1️⃣3️⃣ Conclusion

NUST Admission 2026 is highly competitive but achievable with strong NET preparation, complete application, and proper planning. Focus on:

✔ Preparing for NET early
✔ Applying in multiple NET sessions
✔ Submitting correct documents
✔ Monitoring merit lists regularly
✔ Applying for financial aid if needed

💬 Final Advice:
“NET ko serious lo — strong test score hi NUST admission ki key hai.”