NUST Entry Test which is also most commonly known as NET is the admission test taken 4 times every year by the National University of Science And Technology. NUST is one of the most prestigious universities of Pakistan and admission in NUST is highly sought after by many students.

A Guide to the NUST Entry Test
The test is conducted four times a year:
- NET-1 (December)
- NET-2 (February – March)
- NET-3 (April)
- NET-4 (July)
The test is also held in three different cities and the most important thing to note is that the test held in Islamabad is a computer based test. The computer based test has 5 different portions (varies according to the nature of subject) whose weightage is given alongside:
- Mathematics (40 %)
- Physics (30 %)
- Chemistry (15 %)
- English (10 %)
- Intelligence (5 %)
The NUST entry test has total 200 questions in total of which 80 are Mathematics related, 60 Physics, 30 Chemistry, 20 English and 10 related to Intelligence. The test is itself 3 hours long and there is no negative marking involved and each question is equal to 1 mark.

In this blog, we will be discussing about the basic tricks and tips on how to attempt as well as which subjects to prepare for NET 4: Engineering and Business (Social Science).
NET Schedule

You can apply for registration if you haven’t here: NUST.
Which Subjects to Attempt?
For Engineering, the following subjects would come in the NUST Entry Test:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry/ ICS- Computer Sciences
- English
- Intelligence (IQ)
As for the Business (Social Sciences), the following subjects would come in the NUST Entry Test:
- Mathematics
- English
- Intelligence (IQ)
NET Paper Pattern
1) Engineering:
Subjects | No. of MCQs |
Math | 80 |
Physics | 60 |
Chemistry /ICS | 30 |
English | 20 |
Intelligence | 10 |
Let’s discuss the above subjects in detail. So first of all in mathematics, we have to attempt 80 MCQs in the total. The first 50 MCQs would be very easy, based upon simple concepts and calculations. However, the rest of the 30 would be a bit of a hurdle since they would be a bit tricky to solve.
There would be about 60 MCQs of Physics in total. These MCQs are chosen randomly and are usually very hard to solve. From these 60 MCQs, 5 MCQs are taken from the side tables, for example: escape velocity of Mars, etc., so be sure not to miss them!
As for Chemistry, 30 MCQs would be there to be solved. Cramming is the best technique to solve the MCQs of this subject since bookish concepts or lines would come in the examination. The same goes for Computer Science, rote learning is the best way to get through this section.
In English, there would be a total of 20 MCQs. These MCQs would include 3 to 4 vocabulary words which usually come from letter A or B as well as 3 to 4 spelling mistake corrections. You may also be given a comprehension from which you would have attempt the MCQs according to the given questions.
Last but not the least, Intelligence. Just as the name sounds, your intelligence would be checked in this section of 10 MCQs. You’d be given riddle-like questions which you would have to give the correct answer to according to the choices given.
2) Business:
Subject | No. of MCQs |
Math | 80 |
English | 80 |
IQ | 40 |
Business NET is comprised of 200 MCQs in total, starting off with mathematics which has 80 MCQs. In this section, focus on topics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, sets, functions, etc. Try to get maximum score in this section since the next section requires a lot of cramming!
Next comes English. This section also includes 80 MCQs in total. In English, focus on MCQs based comprehensions as well as topics like spelling correction, sentence correction, grammar correction, analogies, synonyms, antonyms, etc.
Intelligence is a bit tricky since this section tests your IQ level. Many confusing and riddle-like questions would come such as ‘Ali is in north-east of Kamran, where is his shadow?‘ as well as questions like ‘Ali walked 20km to south-west then 30km to south-east, what’s his final displacement?’ Basically, MCQs relating to coding, decoding, sequence series, etc. would be coming so be sure to score at least 35 MCQs out of 40!
Tips And Tricks:
1) Give the NUST Entry Test At Least 2 times
The NET is very different from other admission tests. Hence to understand the test and ensure maximum score in it, it is advised to give the test at least 2 times i.e., (any two or more of NET-1,NET-2, NET-3) as well as the fact that the maximum score is considered.
2) Practice Past Papers
First and foremost, the most important thing about preparing for any entry test is practice. Practicing past papers is very beneficial as they help in implementation of concepts learnt whilst also giving an idea about the difficulty of the questions asked. To order NUST Past Papers Book for PKR: 2000, WhatsApp @ 03313331920.
3) Time Management
Time management is very important for Nust entry test as the number of questions is 200 while the time given for the exam is 3 hours. This gives less time to attempt the questions as the Mathematics and Physics sections take a lot of time to be solved and options have to be selected as well.
Hence it is advised to divide the time for different sections and attempt the questions in that time period for efficiency.
4) Prepare Syllabus-specific Topics
Work smart, not hard. How many times have you heard this thing? But it applies here as well considering the syllabus and weight-age for NUST entry test is uploaded on the NUST website. Focusing on the topics in the syllabus will help you save precious time and focus your efforts on the important things.
5) Stay Relaxed and Keep Calm
This is very important. You should remain calm and remain focused on the exam during the exam. If you encounter any difficult question during the paper, just mark it by clicking on it and solving it later, thus wasting less time and moving on to the next question.
6) Use Online Resources
Practice for the NUST entry test can also be done online as there are many websites offering NET past papers and sample papers as well. You can also visit PrepareHOW Entry Test Preparation Website or PrepareHOW NUST Entry Test App to prepare for the test by giving mock papers and are provided other preparation tools as well.
Other than that, you can try out the following websites as well:
- https://www.youtube.com/@JEEVedantu
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbbZm6ktBTfPyJNUymflPw
- https://www.youtube.com/user/sabaqpk
- https://step.pgc.edu/step-pgc-entry-test-preparation-now-fingertips-2/
- https://saeedmdcat.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoXSdc0PKNFF4Gsax_WQndg
- https://www.youtube.com/c/DearSir
7) Familiarize Yourself with the Computer Based Test Software
The computer based test software needs to be understood so that you do not face any problem on the exam day. A sample NET paper is available on the NUST website in which the software can be used and understood.
8) Attempt All Questions
Since in the NUST Entry Test there is no negative marking so it is advised to attempt all questions even if you may not know the answer. Luck may run in your favor and the answer may be right since there is no consequence of losing marks.
Conclusion
After reading the above mentioned tips, I hope you would have gotten a good idea of how and what to do regarding preparation and studying for the NUST entry test. Furthermore, I would like to add that you should give maximum effort on your part and put your faith in God.
If you would like some further information regarding NUST Entry Test, you may find that in the links provided below:
You can also read my other blog :
For more information, you can also visit and download the app for entry test preparation:
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