The UET merit list is a crucial component of the university admissions process for engineering programs in Pakistan. Major campuses such as UET Lahore, UET Peshawar, and UET Taxila each publish their own merit lists for admissions. In this article, we will demystify how the UET merit list works, how it is compiled, and what steps candidates need to take once the admission results are out. We’ll also look at recent closing merits and explain what happens next after the merit lists are released.

A UET merit list is essentially the ranked list of applicants eligible for admission, sorted by their merit score or aggregate. When the admissions process concludes the entry test and application phase, each UET campus releases a merit list that shows which candidates have been selected for which program based on their merit aggregate. It’s important to understand that UET universities might release multiple merit lists in stages – for example, 1st merit list, 2nd merit list, and so on – to fill all available seats. The final or closing merit refers to the aggregate of the last student who secured admission in a particular program once all merit lists have been exhausted.

The preparation of a UET merit list is based on a weighted calculation of a student’s academic performance and entrance exam scores. Each UET (Lahore, Peshawar, Taxila, etc.) has a slightly different testing system, but the general idea is the same – a combination of your marks in F.Sc. (or equivalent 12th grade) and the engineering college admission test results determines your merit.

Entrance Test

• UET Lahore (and its affiliated campuses) conducts the ECAT (Engineering College Admission Test).
• UET Taxila, which is a separate university in Punjab, has recently started conducting its own test (often referred to as TCAT).
• UET Peshawar uses the ETEA engineering entrance test for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa applicants.
• Your score in these tests is a major component of the merit aggregate.

Academic Marks

• The marks from your Intermediate examinations (F.Sc. or equivalent) are the other primary component.
• For example, UET Lahore’s merit formula often weighs 70% of your F.Sc. marks and 30% of your ECAT test score.
• On the other hand, UET Peshawar gives 50% weight to the ETEA test, 40% to F.Sc. marks, and 10% to Matric in calculating its merit score.

Merit Aggregate Calculation

• After the test results and academic scores are available, each university computes an aggregate percentage for every candidate according to its formula.
• For instance, if you scored 80% in F.Sc. and 70% in the entry test, a university using a 70/30 formula would calculate your aggregate roughly as (0.70 × 80) + (0.30 × 70) = 56 + 21 = 77% aggregate.

Tie-breakers

• If two candidates have the exact same aggregate (to many decimal places), universities have tie-breaker rules (such as who has higher test marks, etc.).

Quota and Categories

• Merit lists can have categories such as open merit, self-finance, and various quota seats.
• Each category will have its own merit list or cutoff.
• In open merit (general) lists, all applicants compete on scores alone.

Understanding how the merit list is prepared helps you gauge your chances. If you know your exam scores, you can estimate your aggregate and see how it compares to previous years’ closing merits for your desired program.

UET Lahore is one of the most sought-after engineering universities in Pakistan, and admission there is highly competitive (reflected by the high cutoffs on the UET Lahore merit list each year). After the ECAT results and Intermediate results are compiled, UET Lahore releases its first merit list on the official admission portal.

Key points about UET Lahore’s merit-based admission process include:

• Aggregate Formula: UET Lahore uses the ECAT-based aggregate formula (as discussed earlier, typically 70% weight to F.Sc. marks and 30% to ECAT). You can calculate your expected merit aggregate using their online merit calculator to get an idea of where you stand.
• Merit List Publication: The merit lists (first, second, third, etc.) are published on UET Lahore’s admissions website. The list will show which program and campus you have been allocated based on your merit and the preferences you submitted.
• Competition and Closing Merits: The merit for popular disciplines at UET Lahore is quite high. For example, in recent years the closing merit (final admitted aggregate) for top programs like Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering has been around the low to mid 70s in percentage.
• Multiple Campuses: When checking UET Lahore’s main campus merit list, note that each campus and program has its own closing merit. For instance, UET Lahore’s main campus merit list for Civil Engineering will have a higher cutoff than that of a sub-campus, because more students prefer the main campus.

UET Peshawar is the premier engineering university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and it uses the ETEA entrance test for admissions. The UET Peshawar merit list is prepared through a process similar to other UETs but with some unique elements:

• Aggregate Calculation: UET Peshawar’s merit aggregate formula includes 50% weight from the ETEA test, 40% from F.Sc. marks, and 10% from Matric marks.
• Merit List Announcement: After the ETEA results and the submission of preferences, UET Peshawar releases its merit lists. These lists are made available on UET Peshawar’s official website or notice boards. Students typically can download the PDF or check the list online to find their names.
• Interviews and Confirmation: One distinct step at UET Peshawar is that after the initial merit list, there may be an interview or document verification process for the shortlisted candidates, unlike UET Lahore. After this, students proceed to fee submission to confirm their seats.
• Closing Merits and Trends: UET Peshawar’s top disciplines also see high closing merits, though the exact percentages can vary year to year. For instance, programs like Electrical or Software Engineering might close somewhere in the 75–80% aggregate range if competition is stiff.
• Multiple Merit Lists: As with other universities, UET Peshawar will issue a 1st merit list, then a 2nd, and possibly a 3rd (or final) merit list to fill any remaining seats.

UET Taxila (in Punjab) is another renowned engineering university, which was once a campus of UET Lahore but now operates independently. It conducts a separate entrance exam (often referred to as TCAT).

• Entry Test (TCAT): This test is similar in pattern to ECAT, covering subjects like Math, Physics, Chemistry/Computer Science, and English. The TCAT score, combined with your F.Sc. marks (and small weight from Matric, if applicable), determines your aggregate for UET Taxila. The weightage formula is usually similar to UET Lahore’s (e.g. around 70% academics, 30% test). Use this aggregate calculator to determine where you stand.
• Merit List Release: UET Taxila publishes its merit lists on its official admissions portal. For example, if the merit list for Software Engineering shows a last merit of 78%, that means the lowest selected candidate for Software had a 78% aggregate in that round.
• Competition: Generally, UET Taxila’s most competitive programs (Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc.) have closing merits not far from UET Lahore’s, since many high-scoring students from northern Punjab opt for Taxila if they don’t get into Lahore.
• Subsequent Lists and Deadlines: Like other UETs, UET Taxila will issue multiple merit lists until all seats are filled. Importantly, they enforce strict deadlines for accepting the admission offer.

Looking at the closing merits from the last 2–3 years can help prospective students understand what aggregate they might need for a given program. While these numbers change yearly based on the applicant pool and number of seats, they often stay in a similar range, barring any major changes in policy or available seats.

UET Lahore

• In the past few years, the final merit for Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering has hovered around the low to mid-70% range.
• For example, one recent year saw Electrical Engineering closing about 73%, Mechanical around 74%, and Civil about 73% aggregate
• Computer Science and Computer Engineering often required mid-70s as well
• Less popular or new programs (like Polymer Engineering, Mining Engineering, etc., or programs at sub-campuses) have tended to close lower – occasionally in the mid-60s by the final list if seats were left vacant.

UET Peshawar

• ‍‍A student aiming for disciplines like Electrical or Mechanical at the main campus would typically need an aggregate in the 70s to be safe.
• By the final merit list, some programs might close in the high 60s if not all seats are taken by higher-merit candidates.

UET Taxila

• ‍‍As mentioned, the top programs have closed around 75–78% in recent years.
• Always check the official merit list announcements for the exact closing aggregates each year.

Once your name appears on the UET merit list, here's what to do next:

1. Confirm Your Admission

• Download the challan form from the admission portal.
• Pay the admission fee before the deadline (usually within 3–5 days).
• Missing this step removes your name from current and future merit lists.

2. Upload Required Documents

• Upload scanned copies of:
  • Matric and FSc transcripts
  • CNIC or B-form
  • Entry test result
  • Domicile, photographs, etc.
• Keep originals ready for verification at orientation.

3. Watch for Upgradation

• If you’re allotted a lower preference, you may be upgraded in the next list.
• No need to reapply—just ensure you’ve paid and uploaded documents to stay eligible.

4. Not Selected Yet? Stay Alert

• If you're not in the 1st merit list of UET, wait for the next rounds.
• Merit often moves significantly in 2nd or 3rd lists.

Freeze Option (If Available)

• Some campuses allow you to freeze your allotted seat and opt out of upgrades.
• Use this if you're satisfied with your current program.

Securing your place through the merit list process requires both strong academic performance and careful attention to the admission steps. We’ve covered how merit lists work for major engineering universities like UET Lahore, UET Peshawar, and UET Taxila, and highlighted the significance of closing merits from recent years. If you’ve made it to the merit list – congratulations! Be sure to follow up immediately with fee payment and document submission to confirm your seat. And if you’re still hoping to see your name in a subsequent list, keep your fingers crossed and stay vigilant for updates.

What is A1 and A2 in the UET merit list?

A1 and A2 refer to admission categories in the merit list.

• A1 is for candidates on open merit (Punjab domicile).
• A2 is usually for reciprocal or reserved seats from other provinces.

How much merit is required for UET?

Merit varies by campus and program.

• Top programs (e.g., CS, Electrical) at UET Lahore typically require 75–85% aggregate.
• Less competitive programs may close around 60–65%.

What is "S" in the UET merit list?

In the UET merit list, "S" stands for Partial-Subsidized.
It refers to students admitted under a category that offers partial financial support from public funds, often with higher fees than open merit, but lower than fully self-financed seats.

What is the highest marks in ECAT 2025?

As of the latest data, the top ECAT score in 2025 is recorded around 360–370 out of 400.
Exact figures are published on UET’s official portal after result declaration.

What is the minimum merit for Software Engineering?

Minimum merit for Software Engineering at UET Lahore is often high:

• Typically 78–83% aggregate on open merit.
• Other campuses may have lower closing merits, around 70–75%.

Does NUST accept ECAT?

No, NUST does not accept ECAT.
Admissions are based on their own NUST Entry Test (NET) or SAT for international candidates.

Does UET offer BS AI?

Yes, UET Lahore offers BS Artificial Intelligence (BS AI) at its New Campus (KSK).
It is a growing program with increasing merit over the years.

What is the merit of Quaid-e-Azam University?

QAU merit varies by department.

• For Computer Science: around 87–90%
• For Biological Sciences: around 80–85%
  Always refer to QAU’s latest merit lists for accurate figures.

What is the meaning of open merit?

Open merit means admissions based purely on aggregate score, without any quotas or reserved seats.
It’s the most competitive category in UET admissions.