Are you preparing for the Engineering College Admission Test (ECAT) in Pakistan? If so, one of the smartest ways to study is by using ECAT past papers. These papers don’t just give you a glimpse of the test format—they help you identify trends, assess your knowledge, and fine-tune your strategy for the real exam.
The ECAT is a term used for a collection of tests conducted by various engineering universities (NUST, FAST, GIKI, UET, NED etc) for their admissions. This test is extremely important for students wishing to pursue a career in the fields of engineering and computing, competitive exam that plays a pivotal role in determining the future of aspiring engineers in Pakistan.
Since most universities conduct their own tests, paper pattern and timelines vary a little bit, and students need to make sure they are aware of the rules, regulations, and policies for their target university. You can find the paper patterns and syllabus of some popular universities here. Many universities offer different versions of their admission tests to better suit the academic background of applicants. For example, ICS students in most engineering universities are able to opt for a computer science section instead of chemistry when applying for engineering and computing programs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of using ECAT past papers, subject-wise sample MCQs with answer keys, and tips for making the most of your practice.
ECAT Math Past Papers
- What is the derivative of sin(x)?
- cos(x)
- –cos(x)
- –sin(x)
- tan(x)
- Evaluate: ∫ x dx
- 1
- x²/2 + C
- 2x + C
- ln(x)
- If A = {1,2,3}, B = {3,4,5}, then A ∩ B =
- {1,2}
- {3}
- {1,2,3,4,5}
- ∅
- The quadratic formula is used to solve:
- ax + b = 0
- ax² + bx + c = 0
- x² = a
- ax³ + bx² + c = 0
- What is the limit of (1 + 1/n)n as n → ∞?
- 0
- 1
- e
- ∞
- Find the angle between vectors a = (1, 0) and b = (0, 1)
- 0°
- 45°
- 90°
- 180°
- What is the domain of f(x) = √(x – 4)?
- x ∈ ℝ
- x ≥ 0
- x ≥ 4
- x ≤ 4
- What is the sum of the roots of x² – 7x + 10 = 0?
- –7
- 7
- 10
- –10
- Which of the following is a trigonometric identity?
- sin(x) + cos(x) = 1
- sin²(x) + cos²(x) = 1
- sin(x) – cos(x) = 1
- tan(x) + cot(x) = 1
- Find the determinant of matrix [[1,2],[3,4]]:
- –2
- 10
- –10
- 2
ECAT Math - Answer Key
| Question |
Correct Answer |
| Q1 | cos(x) |
| Q2 | x²/2 + C |
| Q3 | {3} |
| Q4 | ax² + bx + c = 0 |
| Q5 | e |
| Q6 | 90° |
| Q7 | x ≥ 4 |
| Q8 | 7 |
| Q9 | sin²(x) + cos²(x) = 1 |
| Q10 | –2 |
ECAT Physics Past Papers
- Unit of Power:
- A. Joule
- B. Watt
- C. Newton
- D. Ampere
- Velocity = ?
- A. Distance × Time
- B. Distance / Time
- C. Time / Distance
- D. Speed / Time
- 1 Newton = ?
- A. kg m/s
- B. kg m/s^2
- C. g m/s
- D. None
- Resistance unit is:
- A. Ohm
- B. Watt
- C. Ampere
- D. Volt
- Frequency unit:
- A. Hertz
- B. Newton
- C. Tesla
- D. Joule
- Charge on an electron:
- A. +1.6×10^-19 C
- B. -1.6×10^-19 C
- C. 1 C
- D. 0 C
- Force = ?
- Which of the following is NOT a vector?
- A. Displacement
- B. Force
- C. Distance
- D. Acceleration
- If mass is constant, doubling velocity results in kinetic energy:
- A. Doubled
- B. Quadrupled
- C. Halved
- D. Same
- Ohm’s Law is:
- A. V = IR
- B. V = I/R
- C. V = R/I
- D. V = I+R
ECAT Physics - Answer Key
| Question |
Correct Answer |
| Q1 | Watt |
| Q2 | Distance / Time |
| Q3 | kg m/s^2 |
| Q4 | Ohm |
| Q5 | Hertz |
| Q6 | -1.6×10^-19 C |
| Q7 | ma |
| Q8 | Distance |
| Q9 | Quadrupled |
| Q10 | V = IR |
ECAT English Past Papers
- He was ___ by the sudden noise.
- A. amazed
- B. amusing
- C. amazedly
- D. amaze
- The synonym of "reluctant" is:
- A. willing
- B. hesitant
- C. certain
- D. keen
- Choose the correct spelling:
- A. Acomodation
- B. Accomodation
- C. Accommodation
- D. Accommadation
- Opposite of "benevolent":
- A. generous
- B. kind
- C. cruel
- D. honest
- He is confident ___ his success.
- A. for
- B. about
- C. on
- D. with
- The antonym of "superficial" is:
- A. deep
- B. shallow
- C. external
- D. simple
- My father ___ to Lahore yesterday.
- A. go
- B. went
- C. gone
- D. going
- The passive form of "She writes a letter":
- A. A letter is written by her.
- B. A letter was written by her.
- C. A letter is wrote by her.
- D. A letter has written by her.
- He speaks English ___.
- A. fluent
- B. fluently
- C. fluenting
- D. fluentlyly
- Choose the correct preposition: "He was born ___ a small village."
ECAT English - Answer Key
| Question |
Correct Answer |
| Q1 | Amazed |
| Q2 | Hesitant |
| Q3 | Accommodation |
| Q4 | Cruel |
| Q5 | About |
| Q6 | Deep |
| Q7 | Went |
| Q8 | A letter is written by her. |
| Q9 | Fluently |
| Q10 | In |
ECAT Computer Science Past Papers
- CPU stands for:
- A. Central Processing Unit
- B. Computer Processing Unit
- C. Control Process Unit
- D. Central Program Unit
- Main memory is also called:
- Input device:
- A. Monitor
- B. Keyboard
- C. Printer
- D. Speaker
- A compiler is:
- A. Input device
- B. Translator
- C. Storage device
- D. Processor
- Shortcut for copy:
- A. Ctrl + V
- B. Ctrl + X
- C. Ctrl + C
- D. Ctrl + Z
- Which is not a programming language?
- A. HTML
- B. Python
- C. Java
- D. MS Word
- Machine language is:
- A. High level
- B. Binary
- C. Assembler
- D. Compiler
- Which is an output device?
- A. Keyboard
- B. Mouse
- C. Printer
- D. Scanner
- One byte = ?
- A. 4 bits
- B. 8 bits
- C. 2 bits
- D. 1 bit
- Operating system is a:
- A. Hardware
- B. Application software
- C. System software
- D. Firmware
ECAT Computer Science - Answer Key
| Question |
Correct Answer |
| Q1 | Central Processing Unit |
| Q2 | RAM |
| Q3 | Keyboard |
| Q4 | Translator |
| Q5 | Ctrl + C |
| Q6 | MS Word |
| Q7 | Binary |
| Q8 | Printer |
| Q9 | 8 bits |
| Q10 | System software |
Why ECAT Past Papers Matter
Using ECAT past papers has several advantages:
- Familiarity with Format: Repeated exposure to ECAT-style questions helps reduce exam-day anxiety.
- Topic Weightage Insight: Past papers reveal which topics are emphasized more.
- Better Time Management: You learn how to pace yourself during the exam.
- Self-Assessment: Identify strengths and weaknesses based on your performance.
Make it a point to solve past papers under timed conditions, and then thoroughly review the answers.
Preparation Tips Using ECAT Past Papers
Integrating past papers into your study routine can transform your preparation. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
- Create a Study Schedule: Set a dedicated time each week to solve past papers. Start with one paper per week and gradually increase as you get more comfortable with the format. This consistent practice will help solidify your understanding and keep you on track.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Treat each past paper as a real exam. Find a quiet place, set a timer, and attempt to complete the paper within the actual exam duration. This will not only enhance your time management skills but also acclimatize you to the pressure of the exam environment.
- Review and Learn from Mistakes: After completing each paper, thoroughly review your answers. Identify where you went wrong, why certain answers were incorrect, and what you can do to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Keep a journal of common errors and revisit them regularly to ensure you don’t repeat them.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Use your analysis to pinpoint weaker areas that need more focus. If you consistently struggle with algorithm-based questions, spend extra time revisiting the concepts and practicing similar problems. This targeted approach ensures continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Practicing with ECAT past papers is the most effective way to sharpen your test-taking skills, identify key topics, and improve confidence before the exam. Be consistent, stay focused, and remember—every top scorer once started with a single paper.
Looking for full access to ECAT practice tests, classes, and solutions? Download the Maqsad App and start your journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ECAT required for all engineering universities?
Most engineering universities in Pakistan require ECAT or a university-specific test.
Where can I find ECAT past papers?
You can find them on Maqsad and official university websites.
How can I improve my ECAT score?
Use past papers, take mock tests, and enroll in live/recorded classes at Maqsad.
Which subjects are tested in ECAT?
English, Math, Physics, and Computer/Chemistry (depending on your background).
Can ICS students take ECAT?
Yes, they can select Computer Science instead of Chemistry where allowed.
Is ECAT necessary for computer science?Yes, ECAT is mandatory for students pursuing computer science at engineering universities in Pakistan. It tests a student’s preparedness and foundational knowledge in core subjects.
Which tests have a computer science section instead of chemistry?
There are some universities which do not have a chemistry and computer section at all, eg NUST, FAST, GIKI. Most other universities let students opt between chemistry and computer science based on their intermediate background.
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