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:

1. Physics, Mathematics, English and Chemistry
2. Physics, Mathematics, English and Computer Science
3. Physics, Mathematics, English and Statistics
4. 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.You can find video lectures for English topics here, and practice tests here.
• 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.You can find video lectures for Physics topics here, and practice tests here.
• 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.You can find video lectures for Math topics here, and practice tests here.
• 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.You can find video lectures for Chemistry topics here, and practice tests here.
• 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.

Which universities accept ECAT in Pakistan?

Many private and public engineering universities accept ECAT in Pakistan. Read this article to find out the top engineering universities in Pakistan. Given below is a list of affiliate ECAT universities, and their programs.

1. **NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research Faisalabad:**a) Bachelor of Business Administrationb) B.Sc. Civil Engineeringc) B.Sc. Computer Scienced) B.Sc. Chemical Engineeringe) B.Sc. Electrical Engineeringf) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineeringg) B.Sc. Civil Engineering Technologyh) B.Sc. Electrical Engineering Technologyi) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Technology
2. **Government College of Technology, Railway Road, Lahore**a) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering TechnologyGovernment College of Technology, Faisalabada) B.Sc. Electrical Engineering Technology
3. **Sharif College of Engineering & Technology, Raiwind Road, Lahore**a) B.Sc. Chemical Engineeringb) B.Sc. Computer Sciencec) B.Sc. Electrical Engineeringd) Bachelor of Business Administration
4. **Quaid-e-Azam College of Engineering and Technology, Sahiwal**a) B.Sc. Civil Engineeringb) B.Sc. Electrical Engineeringc) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineeringd) B.Sc. Civil Engineering Technologye) B.Sc. Electrical Engineering Technologyf) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Technology
5. **Swedish College of Engineering & Technology Rahim Yar Khan**a) B.Sc. Civil Engineeringb) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
6. **Sir Syed College of Computer Science, Gulberg, Lahore**a) B.Sc. Computer Science
7. **Government Swedish Pakistani College of Technology, Gujrat**a) B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Technology
8. **Grafton College, Islamabad**a) B.Sc. Electrical Engineering

Other universities that accept ECAT include:

1. Army Public College of Management and Science, Rawalpindi (University of Engineering and Technology Taxila)
2. College of Engineering and Emerging Technologies, Lahore (University of the Punjab, Lahore)
3. Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi
4. Foundation University Institute of Engineering and Management Sciences, Rawalpindi (Foundation University Islamabad)
5. Government College University, Faisalabad
6. Government College University, Lahore
7. Institute of Engineering and Technology, Rawalpindi Campus (Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad)
8. Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lahore Campus (Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad)
9. Institute of Quality and Technology Management, Lahore (University of the Punjab, Lahore)
10. Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Lahore (University of the Punjab, Lahore) (Quaid-e-Azam Campus)
11. Institute of Advanced Materials, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
12. Lahore College for Women University, Lahore (Main Campus)
13. National Textile University, Faisalabad (Former National College of Textile Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore)
14. National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, Islamabad (Lahore Campus)
15. HITEC University, Taxila Cantt
16. Rachna College of Engineering and Technology, Gujranwala (University of Engineering and Technology Lahore)
17. School of Engineering, University of Management & Technology, Lahore (Formally School of Science and Technology, University of Management & Technology, Lahore)
18. Swedish College of Engineering and Technology, Wah Cantt. (University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila)
19. The University of Central Punjab, Lahore
20. The University of Lahore, Lahore (Main Campus)
21. The Superior College, Lahore
22. The Hajvery University, Lahore
23. University of South Asia, Lahore
24. University College of Engineering and Technology, Multan (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan)
25. University College of Textile Engineering (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan)
26. University College of Engineering and Technology, Bahawalpur (The Islamia University of Bahawalpur)
27. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
28. University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila (Main Campus)
29. University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila (Chakwal Campus)
30. University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Main Campus)
31. University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Faisalabad Campus)
32. University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore (Kala Shah Kaku Campus)
33. The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad
34. University of Gujrat, Gujrat
35. University College of Engineering Sciences and Technology Leads University, Lahore
36. Plastics Technology Centre, Karachi (Constituent College of National Textile University, Faisalabad)
37. University of Wah, Wah Cantt.
38. Quaid-e-Azam College Of Engineering and Technology, Sahiwal (University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore).
39. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, Multan
40. University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Narowal Campus)

How do I start studying for the ECAT?

Now that you know all there is to know about the ECAT test, your focus should be on your ECAT preparation. It is always good to start early, and with most topics being the same as your inter topics, we suggest that you start studying alongside your second year preparation.

The best point to start is by gauging where you stand. A good way to do this is take a diagnostic test.

Next, follow these tips to ensure you get a high score in all your engineering university entry tests.

Clear your concepts and improve weak areas by joining our ECAT 2025 batch, and attending regular live classes.

• Spend most of your time practicing MCQs. Maqsad has many free ECAT practice tests available
  • Subject wise topical MCQs:
    • ECAT Math MCQs
    • ECAT Physics MCQs
    • ECAT Chemistry MCQs
    • ECAT English MCQs
  • For those concepts which are weak or you are having difficulty in solving MCQs, watch these video lectures:
    • Math: https://maqsad.io/app/ecat/video-lectures?subjectID=f36a774c-d1d8-4895-a454-68abd61c9e61
    • Physics: https://maqsad.io/app/ecat/video-lectures?subjectID=8bc48972-835c-4cd5-9a82-05952fdf30ad
    • Chemistry: https://maqsad.io/app/ecat/video-lectures?subjectID=bd628715-725b-4ddf-bf39-a0cb629b63d2
    • English: https://maqsad.io/app/ecat/video-lectures?subjectID=8e6eda55-3ef5-4340-becb-d1399a06318a
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  • You can find more ECAT topical test and FLPs here
• For those concepts which are weak or you are having difficulty in solving MCQs in watch ECAT Video Lectures
• To stay up to date with ECAT news, ECAT updates and ECAT important information - go to ECAT Homepage‍ [add link to ECAT homepage]
• If you want ECAT teachers to guide you and share ECAT study plan with you then click here to Enroll in Maqsad Batch

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.