What is ECAT Test in Pakistan? Engineering University Admissions
ECAT stands for Engineering Universities Admission Test. This is term is most used in Punjab to refer to the computer based, combined aptitude test conducted by University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore which is accepted in many private and all public universities in Punjab that are affiliated with UET Lahore.
ECAT test in Pakistan is also often used as a blanket term to describe entry tests for any engineering university. This article will give details about the UET Lahore entry test. For more information on other engineering universities, read this.
When does ECAT take place?
The UET Lahore generally conducts two tests, one in March and one in May/June. This is according to the regulations provided by the PEC. The exact dates are announced when registration for the test is opened, usually around 4-6 weeks prior to the test, and is advertised via newspapers and the UET Lahore admissions website. For reference, ECAT registration 2024 opened in late January and ECAT date 2024 was March 11th-15th, and then again in April for the test conducted on 3rd June.
UET opens call for admission after both tests are done, and results are released. For reference, ECAT admissions 2024 opened on 9th July.
To stay up to date on news and updates related to ECAT, you can follow our ECAT blog or join our free ECAT community.
ECAT Test Pattern and Syllabus
The UET Test is a computer based test with syllabus being intermediate topics. This means that ECAT MCQs are derived from 11th and 12th class syllabus. ECAT subjects also depend on students’ group in intermediate. In general students have the following options:
- Physics, Mathematics, English and Chemistry
- Physics, Mathematics, English and Computer Science
- Physics, Mathematics, English and Statistics
- Physics, Biology, English and Chemistry.
The duration of the Test will be hundred minutes. Ten questions will be related to English and the rest, i.e., ninety, will equally be divided amongst the other subjects. The candidates should select a combination, from one of the above choices, depending on their subjects in Intermediate (or equivalent). Entry Test covers the entire syllabus of Intermediate/ "A" Level/ DAE.
The paper pattern is as follows:
To practice a diagnostic test, click here!
Entry Test covers the entire syllabus of Intermediate/ "A" Level/ DAE. Information about the subject tests is given below.
- English: 10 questions. It will be comprehension type*.* A paragraph would be given and candidates would be required to answer multiple choice questions related to the paragraph.
- Physics: 30 questions. All questions would be on topics covered in Intermediate / "A" Level/ DAE. Questions would require the candidate to solve problems by using the skills and concepts learnt during the intermediate level studies. For example, candidates would certainly be asked questions on Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Work and Energy, etc.
- Mathematics: 30 questions. All questions would be on topics covered in Intermediate / "A" Level/ DAE. Questions would require the candidate to solve problems by using the skills and concepts learnt during the intermediate level studies. For example, candidates would certainly be asked questions requiring knowledge of Differentiation, Integration, Linear Algebra, Trigonometry, etc.
- Chemistry/ Computer Science/ Statistics: 30 questions. All questions would be on topics covered in Intermediate/ "A" Level/ DAE. Questions would require the candidate to solve problems by using the skills and concepts learnt during the intermediate level studies.
- Biology (in lieu of Mathematics for Pre-medical candidates): 30 questions. All questions would be on topics covered in Intermediate / "A" Level/ DAE. Questions would require the candidate to solve problems by using the skills and concepts learnt during the intermediate level studies.
The test has a total of 100 questions worth 4 marks each, so ECAT total marks are 400. Marking of entry test answer sheet is as follows:
Correct Answer: 4 marks
Wrong Answer: -1 mark
No answer: 0 marks
This means that if a candidate has 40 correct answers, 40 wrong answers and 20 blanks (no answers), he/she would earn the following marks: 40 x 4 + 40 x (-1) + 20 x (0) = 160 – 40 + 0= 120 marks out of maximum 400.
ECAT test passing marks used to be 33%, but UET this year has eliminated passing marks. Students will be selected on the basis of their aggregate and their position in the merit list.
ECAT aggregate calculator 2024
Merit calculation formula varies from university to university, and can also be different for various programs in the same university. It generally includes matric percentages, inter percentage, and test score.
Where a test is being conducted before HSSC-II (or equivalent) result is announced, universities generally accept HSSC-I (or equivalent) result. Students will be required to submit their HSSC-II result once announced, and admissions can be rescinded if result is not up to expectation.
Click here for NUST Aggregate Calculator
*The safe zone are taken on historic numbers - every year the merit is different for each university.
UET released data about their test scores each year. On their website you can find statistics such as what were the highest marks in ECAT in 2023 or 2024, averages for each test by test type district etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is COMSATS better or NUST?
When it comes to choosing a top-tier university in Pakistan, two names often stand out: COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (COMSATS) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
If you want an in-depth comparision of both of these engineering colleges, read this article.
2. I am interested in applying to FAST. What is the application process?
If you are seeking information regarding FAST entry test syllabus, eligibility criteria, merit score calculation and weightages, FAST entry test pattern, FAST entry test dates, closing merits and other FAQs, then read this article. It has all information about FAST NUCES admission test and admission process for 2024.
