The CECOS University entry test is a mandatory component of the admissions process for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For engineering programs, applicants must take the ETEA Entrance Test. This exam is designed to assess candidates' academic aptitude and serves as a key factor in determining eligibility for admission into various faculties, including Engineering, Computer Science, and others. CECOS considers test scores alongside educational qualifications to ensure a merit-based selection of students.

Admission to B.Sc. Engineering programs at CECOS University is based on the ETEA Engineering Entrance Test conducted by the Educational Testing & Evaluation Agency (ETEA), KPK.

• The test syllabus is aligned with HSSC (F.Sc. Pre-Engineering) curriculum.
• Registration is done via the ETEA website, with a test fee of ~Rs. 700 per attempt.
• In 2025, the test was held in late July, coordinated by UET Peshawar.

The ETEA Engineering Test is MCQ-based with 100 questions in total.

Subject-wise distribution:

• Physics: 40 MCQs
• Mathematics: 35 MCQs
• English: 15 MCQs
• Chemistry / Computer Science: 10 MCQs (based on student background)

ICS students (with Computer Science in F.Sc.) may attempt CS instead of Chemistry.

Content coverage:

• Based on F.Sc. (Part I & II) textbooks prescribed by KPK boards.
• Physics & Mathematics form the largest portion (75% of the paper).
• English tests comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Chemistry/CS focuses on subject fundamentals at intermediate level.

• Total Questions: 100
• Marks per Question: 1 (scaled to 100) or 4 (scaled to 400), depending on official format.
• Negative Marking: No negative marking – wrong answers do not reduce marks.
• Time Limit: Usually 2 hours.
• Conducted in multiple sessions to accommodate large numbers of applicants.

1. Review F.Sc. Textbooks:
   
   • Focus on Physics and Mathematics concepts, formulas, and problem-solving.
   • Revise Chemistry or CS basics thoroughly.
2. Prioritize Major Subjects:
   
   • Physics (40%) and Mathematics (35%) together cover 75% of the test.
   • These should be the top priority in preparation.
3. Practice English Skills:
   
   • Revise grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension passages.
4. Use Past Papers:
   
   • Attempt past ETEA papers to understand the difficulty level and question style.
   • Practice under timed conditions.
5. Take Advantage of No Negative Marking:
   
   • Attempt all 100 questions – guessing can improve your score.
6. Coaching & Online Resources:
   
   • Consider ETEA-focused coaching or online MCQs for additional practice.

For non-engineering programs (e.g. BS CS, IT, BBA, DPT), CECOS conducts its own admission test or accepts NTS NAT scores.

• In Fall 2024, CECOS held a separate test on 2nd September for BS/other programs.
• Syllabus typically includes Math, English, Analytical Reasoning, and relevant science subjects depending on the program.

However, for engineering applicants, the ETEA test is compulsory as per PEC requirements.

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Q1: How do I apply for CECOS?
You can apply online via the CECOS admission portal or by submitting a paper form at campus. The processing fee is Rs. 1,500 for undergraduate applications.

Q2: Is CECOS University a private or government university?
CECOS is a private-sector university in Peshawar, recognized by HEC and accredited by PEC.

Q3: What is the rank of CECOS University?
While CECOS is a reputable institution in KPK, it is not currently among the top HEC-ranked national universities. However, its engineering programs are PEC-accredited, ensuring quality standards.

Q4: Is there a CECOS student mobile app?
Yes, CECOS offers a student mobile app for checking attendance, results, and notifications.

Q5: Is FAST better than NUST?
Both are top universities in Pakistan. NUST ranks higher internationally and nationally, while FAST is considered one of the best for Computer Science and IT. Read more about NUST vs FAST here.

Q6: What is the CECOS University entry test fee?
The ETEA entry test fee is around Rs. 700, payable via ETEA’s official registration process.

Q7: CECOS University last date to apply?
In 2025, the last date for engineering programs was July 28. For other programs, admissions closed in early September. Students should check the official CECOS website each year for updated deadlines.