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FAST-NU admission test: sections, weights and how to prepare
The sections of the FAST-NU undergraduate admission test, the weight of each section for computing, engineering and business programmes, and how to practise for it.
Last updated: 31 October 2026
The short answer
FAST-NU, which is the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, accepts an undergraduate applicant on the basis of its own NU Admission Test or the SAT or an NTS score. The NU Admission Test has several sections, and the weight of each section is different for computing and engineering programmes and for business programmes.
Section weights
These are the weights published by FAST-NU on its test pattern page. They are shares of the total test.
| Section | BS Computing and Engineering | BBA and BS in Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, FinTech |
|---|---|---|
| English | 10% | 10% |
| Essay writing | Not tested | 15% |
| Analytical skills and IQ | 20% | 25% |
| Basic mathematics | 20% | 50% |
| Advanced mathematics | 50% | Not tested |
Rules to know
- Wrong answers lose marks. The test has negative marking.
- Calculators are not allowed, so practise your mental arithmetic and your written working.
- Merit combines the test result with your school marks (SSC and HSSC). The percentages are given in the admission notice for each year.
What advanced mathematics means
For computing and engineering programmes half of the test is advanced mathematics. This is mostly the FSc mathematics syllabus: algebra, functions, trigonometry, sequences and series, permutations and combinations, coordinate geometry, limits, differentiation and integration. Basic mathematics covers arithmetic, percentages, ratio, simple equations, geometry and averages.
How to prepare
- Spend about half of your time on FSc mathematics, working through problems without a calculator.
- Learn the common values of sine, cosine and tangent, the squares up to 30 and the cubes up to 10.
- Practise analytical questions on series, coding, directions and logic every day for short sessions.
- Because of negative marking, skip a question when you cannot reduce the choices to two. Then come back to it if time is left.
- Practise English grammar and vocabulary in short daily sets.
Where this comes from
- FAST-NU, undergraduate admission test pattern page at nu.edu.pk: the section weights, negative marking and the rule on calculators.
- FAST-NU admissions FAQ at nu.edu.pk: the tests accepted for undergraduate admission.
- Check the admission notice of your own year for the test dates, the merit formula and the number of questions.