Entry tests for specific fields are becoming more common these days. In Pakistan, various entry tests have been introduced that are domain specific. Few of these tests are administered at the national level, and others are limited to universities. Qualification in these entry tests is required for university admissions. Some of these tests are as follows:
Centralized / General Entry Tests
These are tests that are administered on a national scale and are accepted by a variety of universities.
MDCAT
The MDCAT, required for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes, is one of the most common entrance tests. This test is required for admission to all public and private universities of MBBS and BDS programmes. It is a computer-based test that lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This test assesses knowledge of science subjects such as biology, physics, and chemistry, as well as logical reasoning and English language skills. It is only available once a year. Students may even waste a year of their lives if they do not perform well on this exam. MDCAT is a highly competitive entrance exam for which students begin studying months before the test date. Some students even attend academies to prepare.
ECAT
ECAT is an abbreviation for Engineering College Admission Test. It is a computer-based exam required for admission to BE/ BSc/ BS Engineering programmes at public and private universities in Punjab. The University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, conducts this annual test lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes and is held in May or June. It is divided into four major sections Mathematics, Physics, English, Chemistry, Statistics, and Computer Science.
SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test is an international test widely used in Pakistan, as in many universities in the US. The College Board conducts this test. It is offered multiple times per year, which means you don’t get the required score in one attempt; you can try again later in the year. The SAT is divided into two parts: SAT-I and SAT-II. Universities across the country mostly require SAT-I. However, the SAT-II is a subject-based test that engineering universities like NUST use to determine program admissions.
LAT
The Law Admission Test is abbreviated as LAT. The HEC now requires this for admission to any university’s five-year law programme. It is administered by HEC, which only recently introduced this test in 2018. The centers are built in major cities throughout the country and are a very generalized type of test.
GRE
Another internationally recognized test is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Educational Testing Service administers it. It is held in about 160 countries. The test lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes and is valid for five years.
NTS
National Testing Service is a non-governmental organization in Pakistan that conducts academic evaluation tests. NAT stands for National Aptitude Test and is used for admissions to NTS-affiliated universities/platforms. Based on this single test, admission to all universities in the respective subject will be made. They can apply to various universities by submitting the necessary documents, including a copy of their NTS result card.
University-Specific Entry Tests
Some tests are unique to universities, but they are still widely used. The most notable examples are the NUST Entry Test and the Agha Khan University Admission Test.
NUST Entry Test
Among FSC and A’level students, the NUST Entry Test, or NET, is well-known. Three tests are held each year, beginning in December and lasting until April or May. Candidates in each series have the option of selecting their preferred date. Because the syllabus usually includes FSC and A levels, you don’t need to study anything extra for this exam. This exam is held in three major Pakistani cities: Islamabad, Karachi, and Quetta. It is conducted electronically in Islamabad but on paper in Karachi and Quetta.
Agha Khan University Admission Test
Agha Khan University is widely recognized as the best medical school in Pakistan. It is usually held in July and only happens once a year. Because all students attempt to pass it in one sitting, it is a competitive exam. Students must pass this test in order to be admitted to AKU. As a result, this test is significant.
LCAT
The LUMS Common Admissions Test is required for all applicants to the BSc (Honors), BA (Honors), and BA-LL.B programmes at LUMS. This aptitude test score is essential in selecting a suitable candidate for admission in various disciplines.
COMSATS-NTS Test
COMSATS, in collaboration with NTS, administers NTS exams on all of their campuses. You have two options for admission to COMSATS:
Please provide a general NTS or COMSATS NTS. This test is the same as the NTS and is held on the exact day and time.
However, if you choose COMSATS NTS, your results will only be counted for COMSATS, whereas in general NTS, you are free to choose any NTS collaborated university.
Many universities, such as UMT, UOL, and others, have their relatively easy tests (accessible syllabus with most basic questions and simple maths) in comparison to other universities, and most candidates pass these tests quickly.
