How engineering and computing universities in Pakistan calculate merit from Matric, FSc and entry test marks, with worked examples for NUST, UET (ECAT) and FAST.
Applying to engineering or computer science in Pakistan means facing a different formula at every university. Some care most about the entry test; others give your FSc half the weight. This guide compares the most widely published formulas for NUST, UET and FAST, with examples you can follow.
Formulas change. The weights below are the ones most widely published at the time of writing; always confirm them in the current prospectus, and edit the weights in our calculator if they differ.
The formulas side by side
| University | Matric | FSc | Entry test |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUST (NET) | 10% | 15% | 75% |
| UET (ECAT) | 17% | 50% | 33% |
| FAST – computing | 10% | 40% | 50% |
| FAST – engineering | 17% | 50% | 33% |
Every formula works the same way: turn each result into a percentage, multiply by its weight and add the results.
NUST: the NET decides most of it
Aggregate = Matric % × 0.10 + FSc % × 0.15 + NET % × 0.75
Example: Matric 980/1100 (89.09%), FSc Part I 480/550 (87.27%), NET 140/200 (70%).
8.909 + 13.091 + 52.5 = 74.5%
Each NET mark out of 200 is worth about 0.375 aggregate points, far more than anything else. NUST usually uses FSc Part I marks for the aggregate and requires at least 60% in Matric and FSc to apply. Try it with the NUST Aggregate Calculator.
UET: FSc carries half the weight
Aggregate = Matric % × 0.17 + FSc % × 0.50 + ECAT % × 0.33
Example: Matric 1000/1100 (90.91%), FSc 950/1100 (86.36%), ECAT 250/400 (62.5%).
15.455 + 43.182 + 20.625 = 79.261%
Here a strong board result matters more than the test: 20 extra FSc marks add about 0.9 aggregate points. Use the ECAT Aggregate Calculator.
FAST: depends on the programme
For computing programmes, the most widely published split is 10% Matric, 40% FSc and 50% test. For engineering, 17/50/33, the same as UET.
Example (computing): Matric 90%, FSc 85%, test 60%.
9 + 34 + 30 = 73%
The Merit Aggregate Calculator has presets for both.
What these differences mean for you
- Strong FSc, average test-taker? UET and FAST engineering reward your board marks.
- Great at tests? NUST rewards test performance heavily, and FAST computing weighs the test at 50%.
- Applying to several universities? Calculate each aggregate separately; the same student can rank very differently.
Find the test score you need
Once your board results are out, only the test is left to play for. In our calculators, leave the test marks empty and enter a target aggregate, such as last year's closing merit for your preferred discipline. The calculator tells you the test score you need, or warns you if the target can't be reached even with full marks.
Preparing for the test
Know the syllabus and paper pattern for each test, practise past papers under time limits, and plan your weeks. The Study Hours Calculator and Study Timetable Generator help you build a schedule you can keep.
Frequently asked questions
Which FSc marks are used if Part II results aren't out?
Universities that admit before Part II results usually use Part I marks (out of 550). Enter them with the matching total in the calculator.
Do A-Level students use the same formula?
Yes, but your O-Level and A-Level grades are first converted into Matric and FSc equivalent marks through an IBCC equivalence certificate.
What about medical colleges?
MBBS and BDS use the MDCAT formula. See MDCAT aggregate formula explained.