Welcome to Ekosh Online. The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan’s leading institution for higher education, is renowned for its academic rigor, innovative research, and diverse programs in engineering, computing, business, social sciences, and applied biosciences. Each year, NUST attracts over 60,000 applicants competing for approximately 3,000 undergraduate seats, making the admission process highly competitive.
The NUST Merit List 2025, a critical component of this process, determines which candidates secure admission based on their performance in the NUST Entry Test (NET), academic qualifications, and other criteria. This comprehensive article examines the NUST Merit List 2025, covering how to check it, the merit calculation formula, closing merits for various programs, and essential steps for both selected and waitlisted candidates.
NUST Merit List 2025: Key Details
The NUST Merit List 2025 for undergraduate admissions, based on NET and ACT/SAT scores, is scheduled to be released starting in August 2025, with multiple lists published as seats become available. In 2024, NUST released at least 13 merit lists, and a similar pattern is expected for 2025.
These lists are accessible through the NUST Undergraduate Admissions Portal (https://ugadmissions.nust.edu.pk) by entering a candidate’s registration or roll number. The lists cover programs across NUST’s campuses in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Risalpur, and Quetta.
Read Also: RTS Merit List Result 2025
How to Check the NUST Merit List 2025
To check your merit position or selection status, follow these steps:
- Visit the official NUST admissions portal: https://ugadmissions.nust.edu.pk.
- Navigate to the “Merit List” or “Selection Status” section.
- Enter your NUST Roll Number or Fee Invoice Number.
- Submit the details to view your merit position, provisional selection letter, and fee invoice (if selected).
- Download or print the results for your records.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the portal for updates, as merit lists are released sequentially, and waitlisted candidates may be offered seats in later lists.
Merit Calculation Formula
NUST employs a transparent formula to calculate the aggregate score for merit list generation, ensuring fairness in the selection process. The formula for 2025 is as follows:
- NET Score (out of 200): 75% weightage
- Intermediate /FSc/FSc/A-Level Marks: 15% weightage
- Matric/O-Level Marks: 10% weightage
Formula:
Merit Score = (NET Score × 0.75) + (Intermediate Marks × 0.15) + (Matric Marks × 0.10)
For example, a candidate with a NET score of 150/200, 85% in FSc, and 90% in Matric would have an aggregate calculated as:
(150 × 0.75) + (85 × 0.15) + (90 × 0.10) = 112.5 + 12.75 + 9 = 134.25.
For A-Level students in their final year, NUST assigns 25% weightage to O-Level equivalence marks as per the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) certificate. Candidates can use the NUST Merit Calculator available on various educational platforms to estimate their chances.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NUST Merit List 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 60% marks in SSC/Matric/O-Level and HSSC/FSc/A-Level or equivalent.
- Complete HSSC or equivalent qualifications with the required subjects before classes start.
- Appear in the NET or submit valid ACT/SAT scores (for international or national seat applicants).
- For FSc Pre-Medical students applying to engineering programs without additional mathematics, completion of an 8-week online mathematics course with at least 60% marks by July 25, 2025, is mandatory.
Candidates with academic deficiencies or those appearing in exams after the start of classes are ineligible.
NUST Entry Test (NET) 2025
The NET is the cornerstone of NUST’s admission process, conducted in four series (NET-1 to NET-4) from December 2024 to July 2025. The tentative schedule is:
- NET-1: December 2024
- NET-2: March 2025
- NET-3: June 2025
- NET-4: June 15–July 27, 2025 (Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Gilgit)
The NET consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours, with negative marking for incorrect answers. The subject breakdown varies by discipline but typically includes:
- Engineering: Mathematics (40%), Physics (30%), Chemistry/Computer Science (15%), English (10%), Intelligence/Reasoning (5%)
- Computing: Similar to engineering, with emphasis on computer science.
- Business/Social Sciences: English, quantitative, and reasoning-focused.
- Natural Sciences/Biotechnology: Biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
Candidates can take the NET multiple times, and the best score is considered for merit calculation. Preparation through past papers and online courses is highly recommended, with a score of 150 or higher deemed safe for competitive programs like Software Engineering.
Closing Merits for 2025 (Expected)
Closing merits vary by program and campus, with Islamabad’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS) having the highest requirements. Based on 2024 trends and community-reported data, the expected closing aggregates and merit positions for 2025 are:
Engineering Programs
- Software Engineering (SEECS, Islamabad): ~78–79%, Merit Position ~350–400
- Computer Science (SEECS, Islamabad): ~79%, Merit Position ~400–450
- Electrical Engineering (Islamabad): ~72–73%, Merit Position ~1000–1200
- Mechanical Engineering (Islamabad): ~71–72%, Merit Position ~1200–1400
- Civil Engineering (NBC, Quetta): ~50%, Merit Position ~14,000+
Computing Programs
- BS Computer Science (SEECS, Islamabad): ~79%, Merit Position ~400–500
- BS Data Science (Islamabad): ~76–77%, Merit Position ~600–800
- BS Artificial Intelligence (Islamabad): ~76%, Merit Position ~700–900
Business and Social Sciences
- BBA (NBS, Islamabad): ~65–66%, Merit Position ~700–800
- BS Economics (S3H, Islamabad): ~67%, Merit Position ~800–1000
Natural and Applied Sciences
- BS Biotechnology (Islamabad): ~70–72%, Merit Position ~300–400
- BS Physics (Islamabad): ~68–70%, Merit Position ~1000–1500
- BS Environmental Science (Islamabad): ~65–67%, Merit Position ~1500–2000
These figures are estimates based on previous years and may vary. For precise details, candidates should refer to the official NUST website.
Selection Process and Next Steps
If Selected
- Pay Admission Dues: Selected candidates must print the fee invoice from the portal and pay the admission dues at any Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branch within the specified deadline (typically 2–3 days). Failure to pay results in forfeiture of the seat.
- Submit Documents: Upload the required documents, including your CNIC/Form B, educational certificates, and an affidavit (a specimen is available on the portal).
- Change of Preferences: Within a limited window, candidates can amend their program preferences within the same discipline (e.g., engineering) using the “Change of Preferences” form, subject to seat availability and a fee. This option is available only once.
If Waitlisted
- Monitor subsequent merit lists, as seats may open due to dropouts or non-payment by selected candidates.
- Update preferences if needed to improve chances in less competitive programs.
- Stay proactive, as deadlines are strictly enforced.
If Not Selected
- Consider retaking the NET in a later series to improve your score.
- Explore alternative universities or programs with lower merit requirements.
- Prepare for the next admission cycle with enhanced focus on NET preparation.
New Programs for Fall 2025
NUST is introducing new programs for the 2025 academic session, including:
- Expanded computing programs (BS Data Science, BS Artificial Intelligence, BS Bioinformatics) for candidates with HSSC Mathematics.
- Opportunities for FSc Pre-Medical students to enroll in computing programs, provided they clear six credit hours of deficient mathematics courses within one year.
Tips for Aspiring NUST Candidates
- Excel in NET: Since the NET contributes 75% to the aggregate, aim for a score of 150+ (preferably 160+ for top programs like Software Engineering).
- Practice Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with the NET format and question types using resources like PakLearningSpot or Maqsad.
- Strengthen Academics: Maintain high marks in FSc and Matric, as they contribute 25% to the merit score.
- Plan Preferences Strategically: Prioritize programs based on interest and closing merit trends. Include safer options lower in your preference list.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the NUST admissions portal and official social media (@ThisIsNUST) for announcements.
Conclusion
The NUST Merit List 2025 serves as a gateway to one of Pakistan’s most prestigious universities, offering world-class education and exceptional career opportunities. With a transparent merit-based system, NUST ensures fairness in selecting candidates for its competitive programs. By understanding the merit calculation formula, preparing diligently for the NET, and staying proactive during the selection process, aspirants can maximize their chances of securing admission. For the latest updates, candidates should rely solely on the official NUST website (www.nust.edu.pk) and avoid unofficial sources. Embark on your NUST journey with confidence, and take the first step toward a transformative academic experience.
