Getting into FAST NUCES seems like a difficult task; there is often a lot of confusing and contradictory information online and it can be overwhelming for students to find out how to apply for FAST, what the test pattern is, which test to choose and how much score to target.
This article has all the information about FAST NUCES admission test and admission process, including FAST entry test syllabus, eligibility criteria, merit score calculation and weightages, FAST entry test pattern, FAST entry test dates, closing merits and other FAQs.
FAST Entry Test
For admission in FAST, you can either give the FAST NUCES entry test, or (depending on the degree you wish to apply to) you can also apply through SAT, NTS NAT, or ECAT. There are usually separate merit lists for each test.
FAST entry test dates are announced in April-May, and test happens in July. This year the test is from 8th July-19th July. If you choose to give the FAST NUCES entry test, your entry test pattern will look like:
This is a computer based test, consisting of only MCQ type questions. There is negative marking in the test, and calculators are not allowed. Students are awarded one mark for a correct answer, and -0.25 for an incorrect answer. FAST entry test syllabus for each of the above sections consists of the following topics:
- Advanced Math: In this sections, question are asked from first year and second math topics including matrices, algebra, trigonometry, permutation and combination, probability, analytic geometry, calculus etc.
- Basic Math: This section contains quantitative reasoning and word problems from basic math topics such as arithmetic, algebra, percentages, cost, price, profit and loss etc.
- Analytical Skills and IQ: This section contains scenario and statement based questions, as well as sequences, patterns and directions, to test a student’s analytical thinking skills.
- English: This section contains grammar, comprehension, vocabulary and analogy questions.
Students applying to the following program can also choose to give ECAT or NTS NAT instead of the FAST admission test. You must choose which test you’re applying through at the time of admission. The minimum score to apply via SAT is 1200 for BS Engineering and Computing programs and 1000 for all BBA or BS Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, and FinTech programs.
FAST Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply to FAST, a student must meet the following requirements for each of the following programs.
BS Engineering Programs
- SSC (Matric) or equivalent examination: minimum 60% marks
- HSSC (Inter) or equivalent examination: minimum 60% marks, with either pre-engineering (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) or ICS (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) subjects only
BS Computing Programs
- SSC (Matric) or equivalent examination: minimum 60% marks
- HSSC (Inter) or equivalent examination: minimum 50% marks, having studied Mathematics
BBA and BS Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, FinTech
- SSC (Matric) or equivalent examination: minimum 60% marks
- HSSC (Inter) or equivalent examination: minimum 50% marks, students from groups can apply
Merit List Calculation
The selection criteria for FAST-NU is based on a combination of your test score and matric and inter percentages. The formula varies for different programs. The table below shows the formula for calculating merit score for all BS Engineering, Computing, Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, FinTech, and BBA programs. In this calculation, the admission test weightage is calculated using either your marks from the FAST entry test, your SAT score, or your score in NTS NAT.
FAST closing merit 2025: Is my merit score good enough?
How difficult is it to get into FAST?
Students often get confused about whether their merit score is good enough, or how much should they score in the test to secure an admission, or which test to opt for. A simple way to determine this is to calculate your merit score using the formula mentioned above. FAST does not publish their merit list or closing merit scores, but we can estimate the closing merits for different programs and campuses based on last few years’ trends in FAST university merit list.
FAST has different merit list for their own admission test, SAT and NTS NAT based applicants. Usually closing merits for FAST NUCES test are lower than those of NTS NAT and SAT. This means that students applying via NTS NAT or SAT should aim for higher scores.
Generally, a score of 70% is considered safe for FAST NUCES test, with closing merits for different campuses and programs falling in the range of 55%-70%. For NTS NAT, however, closing merits for more popular programs can be as high as 80%-85%.
What is FAST’s acceptance rate?
FAST university is said to have an acceptance rate of 13%. It is quite difficult to get FAST university, as thousands of students apply every year. Many students get admission offers but fail to get in their top priority campus or program. Students need to score very well in the test to both get FAST university admission 2025 and to grab a seat in their preferred program and campus.
FAST University Fee Structure
One key factor that helps students in deciding which university to go for is the fee structure. After FAST university admission, the following fees need to be paid.
Admission Fee: Admission Fee is payable only once at the time of admission, and is generally non-refundable. FAST Admission Fee is Rs 30,000.
Security Deposit: Security deposit is also payable at the time of admission but is refundable when the student graduates. FAST Security Deposit is Rs 20,000.
Tuition Fee: Tuition fee is payable at the start of every semester and is calculated according to the number of courses a student is taking in that semester. FAST tuition fee for undergraduate courses is Rs 10,000 per credit hour. Generally a course is 3 credit hours, so on average for five courses FAST semester fees would be Rs 150,000 and for six courses it would be Rs 180,000.
Student Activities Fund: Students also have to pay Rs 2,000 every semester to contribute to Student Activities Fund and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Other Questions
I had premedical in intermediate. Can I apply to FAST?
Unfortunately, premedical students cannot apply to FAST for engineering or computing programs. Students with premedical background can only apply to BBA and related programs
Can students who are awaiting HSSC or equivalent results apply for admission?
Yes, students who have taken the HSSC or equivalent examination and are awaiting results are eligible to apply for admission. Students will be required to enter their marks in first year for admission.
I am an A level student awaiting my result, which marks should I enter in the admission form?
A level students can enter their O level equivalence percentage.
How can students prepare for the FAST NUCES entry test?
Students can prepare for the entry test through online platforms like Maqsad, which offers comprehensive resources such as video lectures, topical tests, Doubtsolve, and FAST Grand Test designed especially for students applying to FAST.
Is FAST CS Test Pattern the same as FAST Test Pattern for Engineering Programs?
FAST NUCES pattern for BS Computing and BS Engineering programs is the same. The test has advanced math, basic math, IQ and English sections.
We hope this guide will answer all of your queries related to FAST University Admission.
