Admissions
Engineering Admissions in Pakistan: How the Aggregate Is Calculated
· 8 min read
ECAT, NET, ETEA and MUET merit formulas explained, with the exact weightage each university gives to matric, intermediate and entry test marks.
There is no single national formula
UET Lahore weights FSc at 70% and ECAT at 30%. NUST gives 75% to the NET. NED and MUET combine matric, intermediate and their own test. Applying with one mental formula for all of them is the most common mistake applicants make.
Always run your numbers separately for each university using that university's own weightage before you decide where to apply.
What a competitive aggregate looks like
For flagship programmes such as electrical, computer and mechanical engineering, closing merit generally sits between 72% and 85% aggregate. Newer or less saturated disciplines often close 10-15 points lower.
Because entry tests carry so much weight, a strong test score can rescue an average intermediate result, and a weak test score can sink an excellent one.
Equivalence for O and A-Level students
A-Level applicants must obtain an IBCC equivalence certificate before the merit list is compiled. The equivalence marks, not the raw grades, are what universities feed into the aggregate formula.
Apply for equivalence early — delays in IBCC processing regularly cost applicants their place on the first merit list.