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How to Get Into FAST-NUCES: 2026 Admissions Guide

Minimum 60% in Matric & 50% FSc or equivalent (60% for Engineering programs). Entrance test weightage is 50% (33% for Engineering programs).

Application Timeline

For the 2026 academic year, FAST-NUCES's application window is open for the Fall only session. The primary admission drive occurs between June - July.

Entry Test Details

Securing admission highly depends on your performance in the FAST Entry Test / NTS NAT-IE, ICS, ICOM, IGS / SAT. Make sure you prepare specifically for this format, as it usually carries a massive weightage in the final merit calculation.

Pro Tip for FAST-NUCES

Try to gather all your intermediate equivalence certificates and domicile paperwork long before the June - July window opens so you aren't delayed on submission day.

The National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) stands as the definitive leader in computing education within Pakistan. Operating a decentralized, multi-campus model, the university offers specialized BS degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Financial Technology, and Business Analytics, alongside traditional Computer Science and core Engineering tracks. FAST relies primarily on its own dedicated NU Entry Test, though they also accept valid NTS-NAT or SAT scores.

Important News

  1. Merit for BS Computer Science for Fall 2026 is 75.
  2. Merit for BS Artificial Intelligence for Fall 2026 is 73.
  3. Entrance exams will start from July 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant must select only one out of the three admission test options i.e FAST-NUCES Test, SAT, or NTS (NTS test from specific universities is not acceptable).
  • Minimum 60% marks in Matric and FSc or their equivalents.
  • Mandatory subjects in HSSC/equivalent based on the program applying for.

FAST Entry Test

The NU Online Admission Test is a sophisticated computer-based assessment designed to eliminate academic dishonesty by presenting sections and questions in a completely random sequence for every candidate. The test incorporates negative marking to penalize blind guessing. For computing and engineering programs, the test heavily focuses on Advanced Mathematics (50%), followed by Analytical Skills & IQ (20%), Basic Mathematics (20%), and English (10%). For business programs, the focus shifts entirely to Basic Mathematics (50%), Analytical Skills & IQ (25%), Essay Writing (15%), and English (10%).

  • The tests are held at designated computer labs across FAST campuses nationwide.
  • Best Score Counts: Each type of admission test can be taken only once per cycle, however, you can apply based on multiple test pathways (e.g., NU Test, NAT, or SAT) to see which score gives you the highest aggregate.
  • Taking the mandatory in-house NU Entry Test is the primary route, though NTS-NAT and SAT options are accepted under specific seat quotas.

Merit Calculation Formula:

FAST uses a very specific aggregate formula for its undergraduate computing and business programs:

  • Entry Test: 50% weightage (33% weightage for Engineering programs)
  • Academic Scores (HSSC & Matric): 50% weightage, broken down into 40% Intermediate and 10% SSC (67% weightage for Engineering programs broken down into 50% Intermediate and 17% SSC)

Important Point

Those who have taken the HSSC or an equivalent examination and are awaiting result are also eligible to apply. The four-year undergraduate programs of full time study are divided into eight semesters.