Question 1

What is NAT and who conducts it?

Accepted Answer

NAT (National Aptitude Test) is a standardized undergraduate and postgraduate entry test conducted by NTS (National Testing Service) Pakistan. It is held 12 times a year — once every month — and is accepted by 130+ HEC-recognized universities across Pakistan as a direct alternative to their own entry tests.

Question 2

How many times is NAT held per year, and can I retake it?

Accepted Answer

NAT is held 12 times per year (one period per month, NAT-I through NAT-XII). You can appear as many times as you like — there is no limit. Your NAT score is valid for 2 years from the test date, and universities typically accept your highest valid score.

Question 3

Which NAT category should I take for my degree program?

Accepted Answer

For undergraduate admissions (12 years of education), choose Category 1: NAT-IE for Engineering, NAT-ICS for Computer Science/ICS, NAT-ICOM for BBA/Commerce, NAT-IM for Pre-Medical, NAT-IA for Arts/Social Sciences, and NAT-IGS for General Science. For postgraduate admissions (14 years of education), choose Category 2: NAT-IIM for Management Sciences/MBA, NAT-IIP for Physical Sciences/MCS, NAT-IIB for Biological Sciences, NAT-IIA for Arts & Humanities, and NAT-IIO for Islamic/Oriental Studies.

Question 4

How long is the NAT test and what is its structure?

Accepted Answer

NAT is a 120-minute paper-based MCQ test. Category 1 has 90 questions split into English (20 Qs), Analytical Reasoning (20 Qs), Quantitative Reasoning (20 Qs), and Subject Knowledge (30 Qs). Category 2 has 100 questions with higher subject weightage (50–70 Qs) and reduced English/Analytical/Quantitative sections. There is no negative marking.

Question 5

Which universities in Pakistan accept NAT scores in 2026?

Accepted Answer

130+ HEC-recognized universities accept NAT including NUML, Air University, Bahria University, SZABIST, COMSATS, Preston University, Iqra University, Riphah International University, and many provincial public universities. Note: NUST, LUMS, FAST-NUCES, IBA, and PIEAS do not accept NAT — they conduct their own entry tests.

Question 6

What is a good NAT score for university admission?

Accepted Answer

There is no universal passing score — each university sets its own minimum. As a general benchmark: 60+ is the baseline requirement at most NAT-accepting universities; 65–70+ is competitive for popular programs like BS CS or BBA at Bahria University, SZABIST, or NUML; 75+ puts you in a strong position for merit-based programs. NTS reports your score as a raw score (out of 90 or 100) and a percentile.

Question 7

What documents are needed to register for NAT?

Accepted Answer

To register online at portal.nts.org.pk you need: a scanned CNIC or B-Form, a scanned matric/FSC result card or DMC, a recent passport-size photograph, and proof of the registration fee payment (bank challan or online payment receipt). Students awaiting their FSC results can register using their matric certificate and submit the FSC result later.

Question 8

Can I appear for NAT while still in FSC or waiting for my results?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students in their final year of FSC (or A-Levels) can register and sit the NAT. Many students take NAT-IV (April) or NAT-V (May) so their scores are ready before university admission deadlines in June–August. You submit your FSC result card to the university once it is available — the NAT score alone qualifies you to apply.

NAT-IX.

DON'T FIGURE IT OUT ALONE.

Frequently Asked
Questions.

NAT-IX.

DON'T FIGURE IT OUT ALONE.

Frequently AskedQuestions.

Frequently Asked
Questions.