Aspiring engineers across Pakistan eagerly track each ECAT entry test date to plan their admissions.  The Engineering College Admission Test (ECAT) is a competitive exam required for entry into most public engineering universities in Punjab. Entry tests at other institutions like NUST, MUET, NUST Entry Test, etc. also follow similar timelines, so knowing the schedules is crucial.  Below we outline the key upcoming ECAT entry test dates and related schedule information, campus by campus. We also share tips on online entry test preparation ECAT, practicing entry test past papers ECAT, and using robust MCQ drills to maximize scores.

Several universities have announced their ECAT entry test dates for the 2024–25 admission cycle. For example, UET Lahore has officially scheduled its Combined ECAT for 13–16 June 2025, with admit cards available from June 4.  Similarly, PIEAS plans multiple entry tests: the third anf final one on 29  June  2025.  The University of the Punjab (PU) intends to hold its engineering entrance exam around mid-June 2025 (expected on June 15).  MUET (Mehran University, Jamshoro) will run pre-admission tests from 16 June 2025 onwards.  Meanwhile, NUST’s latest schedule shows multiple series of its NET test: for instance, Series 4 online registration opens 13  Apr – 15  Jun  2025, with CBT exams starting 15  Jun  2025.  These dates should be confirmed via each university’s admission office, but they give a clear roadmap for ECAT and other entry test applicants.

By staying informed on these ECAT entry test dates, candidates can ensure they register in time and plan their preparation accordingly. Sources like university admissions pages and education news updates have been cited above for accuracy.

Every institution may use its own entry exam (sometimes still called ECAT). Below is a concise look at each listed university’s exam plan:

• NED University (Karachi): NED’s admission portal opened in early April 2025. NED confirms a central computer-based entry test at its main campus; however, the exact entry test date is to be issued separately on its official site.
• Mehran University (Jamshoro): MUET’s Directorate of Admissions has scheduled its pre-admission tests starting 16 June 2025 (Sunday) across Jamshoro and Khairpur campuses. Applicants should finalize their online forms by late May to sit for this exam.
• UET Lahore (and affiliates): The centralized UET ECAT runs mid-June. For Fall 2025 admissions, UET Lahore explicitly set its ECAT entry test date as June 13–16, 2025. Admit cards are released on June 4. Other UET campuses in Taxila, Narowal, etc., follow similar timelines via the UET common portal. To learn more about the UET ECAT Syllabus, read this article.
• NUST (Islamabad/Rawalpindi): NUST conducts four entry test series each year. For example, Series-4 allows registration until 15 Jun 2025, with CBT and paper-based exams from 15–20 Jun 2025. Candidates may choose Islamabad, Quetta or Karachi centers.
• IBA Karachi: IBA’s engineering program (BS Electrical/Computer, etc.) uses its own aptitude test. For Fall 2025 intake, IBA has tests on Sunday 9 Feb 2025 and Sunday 6 Apr 2025*.*
• PIEAS (Islamabad): According to PIEAS admissions, the first ECAT for BS (2025 session) is on 23 Feb 2025. A second test is set for 13 Apr 2025, and a third for 29 Jun 2025(in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta).
• University of the Punjab (Lahore): PU’s spokesperson announced the ECAT entry test date for 2025 on 15 June 2025. The test (carrying 25% weight in admissions) will be held simultaneously in Lahore and other cities of Punjab, per official news.
• GIKI (Topi, KPK): GIKI’s entry exam typically falls in July. For 2025, GIKI has announced admissions open in April, with the entry test expected 9–13 July 2025.
• FAST-NUCES (Lahore/Islamabad/Karachi): FAST’s schedule varies by campus, but a preparation blog estimates FAST’s 2025 test from 7 July to 18 July 2025.

Related: Universities Accepting ECAT in Pakistan

Each university also publishes deadlines for ECAT registration (generally a week or two before test day) and eligibility criteria. For example, UET Lahore required registration by June 2 for its June 13 exam. Always verify via the official admission notices.

Note: By PEC mandate, ECAT is mandatory for admission to all engineering programs in Punjab – so any aspiring engineer should be prepared to take it or equivalent.

With test dates locked in, effective preparation is the next crucial step.  High scores on ECAT come from focused practice on core subjects and test-taking skills. Many candidates rely on structured online entry test preparation ECAT courses. For example, Maqsad is an ECAT prep platform that includes live online classes, extensive video lectures, and vast MCQ banks for each subject. These resources help cover the full Intermediate syllabus and simulate exam conditions, helping you in mastering engineering entry tests in Pakistan.

A few key strategies:

• Master the syllabus and MCQs
  • ECAT covers full Intermediate (HSSC) math, physics, chemistry (or CS/Stats) and English.
  • Study all chapters thoroughly.
  • Solve as many preparation of entry test mcqs ecat as possible to build speed and accuracy.
  • For example, Maqsad’s course provides thousands of MCQs and topic tests.
• Practice past papers
  • Solving solved ECAT papers familiarizes you with question style and timing.
  • Past papers reveal which topics repeat and help gauge time management.
• Use online mock tests and timed quizzes
  • Simulated computer-based practice is crucial.
  • Online academies (like Maqsad) offer full-length mock ECAT tests that emulate the real exam.
  • These help you adapt to the CBT format and build stamina.
  • Review mock test results to identify weak areas.
• Targeted coaching and guidance
  • Consider enrolling in a reputable online batch or academy.
  • For instance, Maqsad provides dedicated ECAT prep courses.
  • These include expert mentoring, ECAT entry test MCQ banks, and performance analytics.
• Focus on fundamentals
  • Ensure concepts from Physics, Math and Chemistry (or CS) are solid.
  • For MCQ exams, understanding formulas and reaction mechanisms (Chemistry) in depth allows quick solving.
• Manage time and stress
  • Learn efficient test strategies: quickly eliminate wrong options, and guess wisely only when needed.
  • In the exam, keep track of time, spending roughly 1 minute per question.
  • The ECAT’s negative marking (-1 per wrong) means accuracy is key.
  • If stuck on a question, move on and return later.
  • Practicing under timed conditions reduces panic on the real test day.

For structured preparation, you might leverage online resources like video courses, MCQ banks, and discussion forums.  For example, Maqsad’s online ECAT package includes live classes and recorded lectures for each subject. Incorporate all resources: an online entry test preparation ECAT batch, past papers, and self-study of the syllabus. Combining these with disciplined revision will give you confidence on test day.

Plan ahead and use the resources around you. Consider enrolling in a proven Maqsad ECAT course or similar, which offers comprehensive content and guidance. With the ECAT entry test date of your chosen universities on the horizon, start studying early – review subjects, drill MCQs, and simulate test conditions. Good luck on your admission journey to engineering!

What are ECAT passing marks?

Officially, UET Lahore requires a minimum of 132/400 (33%) for PEC‑accredited engineering programs. However, other sources often mention a 60% score as a practical “passing” benchmark for ECAT.

What is the last date to apply for ECAT 2025?

This date can vary by university, always check the official admission notice of the specific university.

Is ECAT only for UET?

No. While UET Lahore conducts the ECAT exam, a PEC directive makes ECAT mandatory for admission to most public and private engineering institutions in Punjab.

What is the highest marks in ECAT 2025?

The ECAT is a 400‑mark test (100 MCQs ×4 points). The theoretical maximum is 400. In practice, top scorers usually achieve high 300s. For example, in 2024 the highest reported ECAT score was 384/400.

How to pass ECAT test?

Passing ECAT (and getting a strong score) requires thorough preparation. Experts recommend studying the complete intermediate syllabus and doing extensive practice of past MCQs. Key tips include: master your textbooks, make concise notes, and solve lots of practice problems and ECAT MCQs.

Is ECAT test difficult?

ECAT is challenging but manageable with preparation. It is “neither too easy nor too hard”; success depends on how well you prepare. You must be comfortable with intermediate-level Physics, Math, Chemistry/CS, and have strong English.

How many MCQs are in ECAT?

The ECAT (for engineering group) has 100 MCQs in total.  Specifically: 30 MCQs in Physics, 30 in Chemistry (or Computer Science/Statistics, depending on your group), 30 in Mathematics (or Biology if Pre-Medical), and 10 in English.

How do I get good marks in the ETEA test?

Although ETEA (for KPK engineering colleges) is a separate exam, the preparation strategy is similar to ECAT. Top performers advise starting early, studying your F.Sc topics thoroughly, and doing plenty of timed practice.

Is there any syllabus for ECAT?

Yes. The ECAT syllabus is essentially the full Intermediate (HSSC) pre-engineering syllabus. It covers Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry (or Computer Science/Statistics, depending on your group), and English.

Is a calculator allowed in ECAT?

No. ECAT is strictly a no-calculator exam.