List Of NAT Associated Universities In Pakistan

The National Aptitude Test (NAT) conducted by the National Testing Service (NTS) is used for undergraduate admissions in participating universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs) in Pakistan. Instead of taking a separate aptitude test for every participating institution, a candidate can use a valid NAT result when applying to associated universities that accept the relevant NAT subject group.

NTS currently states that a NAT result is valid for one year. However, passing NAT does not itself guarantee admission. Students must still meet the university’s eligibility criteria, apply separately according to its admission announcement and compete according to its merit policy.

NAT Associated Universities in Pakistan

The current NTS list includes 32 NAT-associated universities/DAIs. The list published by NTS includes the following institutions:

The list above follows the current NAT-associated list published by NTS. Some entries have program-specific restrictions, so students should check the particular university’s admission notice before assuming that NAT applies to every program.

1. Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad

Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) is included in the NTS NAT-associated list. NTS specifies particular areas including the Quaid-i-Azam School of Management Sciences, School of Economics and Department of Pharmacy in its listing.

Students should therefore check the relevant QAU admission announcement to determine which programs accept the NAT score.

2. CASE

The Center for Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE) is included among NTS-associated institutions.

Students interested in engineering, computing and related disciplines should check the current admission requirements of the institution before applying.

3. CECOS University Peshawar

CECOS University is one of the NAT-associated institutions in Peshawar. Candidates should check the university’s current undergraduate admission requirements and the NAT category applicable to their chosen program.

4. COMSATS University Islamabad

COMSATS University Islamabad is included in the NTS NAT-associated list.

The NTS list identifies COMSATS as an associated institution, and students should check the specific campus and program admission requirements before applying.

5. Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Computer Sciences & Information Technology

This Rawalpindi-based institute appears on the NTS NAT-associated list.

Students interested in computing-related education should verify current admissions, eligibility requirements and the applicable NAT subject group.

6. Fatima Jinnah Women University

Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, is included in the NAT-associated institutions.

It provides an option for female students seeking undergraduate admission in participating programs.

7. Federal Urdu University

The NTS list includes Federal Urdu University, Islamabad Campus, with a specific reference to B.Sc Electrical Engineering.

This is an example of why students should not assume that every program at an associated university accepts NAT.

8. GIFT University

GIFT University, Gujranwala, is included in the NAT-associated list.

Candidates should check the university’s current admission advertisement for program-specific requirements.

9. Gomal University

Gomal University, D.I. Khan, is listed among the NTS-associated institutions.

Students can check the university’s current undergraduate admission information to determine whether their intended program accepts the relevant NAT score.

10. Government College University Faisalabad

Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) is included in the NTS list.

Applicants should verify the latest admission announcement because admission requirements can vary by degree program.

NAT Associated Universities in Lahore

Several NAT-associated institutions are located in Lahore or have Lahore-based programs.

These include:

• Imperial College of Business Studies
• Institute of Business & Management (IB&M), UET
• Kinnaird College for Women
• University of Management & Technology

NTS specifies that Imperial College of Business Studies is listed for the engineering category, while other institutions may have their own program-specific conditions.

NAT Associated Universities in Islamabad

Islamabad has several institutions listed by NTS, including:

• Quaid-i-Azam University
• CASE
• Institute of Space Technology
• International Islamic University
• Silver Oak Institute of Management Sciences & Information Technology
• Federal Urdu University Islamabad Campus

The applicable NAT category and eligible programs should be checked before submitting an application.

NAT Associated Universities in Punjab

Students in Punjab can find several NAT-associated institutions, including:

• GIFT University, Gujranwala
• Government College University Faisalabad
• Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan
• Islamia University Bahawalpur
• Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore
• National Textile University, Faisalabad
• University of Gujrat
• University of Management & Technology, Lahore

This makes NAT useful for students who want to apply to several participating institutions without taking an entirely separate aptitude test for each one.

NAT Associated Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

NTS lists several institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including:

• CECOS University, Peshawar
• Gomal University, D.I. Khan
• Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar
• Kohat University of Science & Technology
• UET Peshawar
• University of Peshawar
• University of Science & Technology, Bannu
• University of Swat

Students should check the specific program and NAT category before applying.

NAT Associated Universities in Sindh

The NTS list includes:

• Karachi Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (KITE)

NTS also states that separate tests are conducted for Sindh and Balochistan medical colleges, so candidates should not assume that the standard NAT applies to medical admissions in the same way as the listed undergraduate programs.

NAT Associated Universities in Balochistan

The current NAT-associated list does not function as a general list of every university in Balochistan. Students should check the NTS listing and the relevant institution’s admission advertisement.

NTS specifically notes that a separate test is conducted for Sindh and Balochistan medical colleges.

What Does NAT Associated University Mean?

A NAT-associated university is an institution that participates in the NTS NAT system for relevant undergraduate admissions.

According to NTS, candidates take the NAT and can then be eligible to apply to associated universities in their respective subject group. However, the candidate still has to apply to each university separately according to its admission announcement.

For example:

NAT Test → NAT Result → Apply to University → Meet Eligibility → Merit/Admission Process

NAT therefore serves as an admission test, not as an automatic university admission.

Can One NAT Result Be Used for Multiple Universities?

Yes, NTS states that candidates appearing in NAT can stand eligible for admission to associated universities in the relevant subject group. The candidate must then apply separately to the universities according to their admission announcements.

For example, if your NAT category is accepted by several universities and your result remains valid, you may use that result when applying to those institutions, provided you satisfy each university’s eligibility criteria.

Is NAT Mandatory for Every Program?

No.

NAT association does not mean that every degree program at the university necessarily uses NAT.

Some NTS listings contain specific conditions. For example:

• Federal Urdu University — specific B.Sc Electrical Engineering reference
• Imperial College of Business Studies — engineering category
• International Islamic University — specified departments
• UET Peshawar — non-engineering programs
• QAU — specified schools/departments

Therefore, always read the admission advertisement for the exact program you want to study.

NAT Categories and Associated Universities

NTS organizes NAT according to candidates’ educational backgrounds and subject groups.

For candidates with 12 years of education, categories include:

• NAT-IE – Pre-Engineering
• NAT-IM – Pre-Medical
• NAT-IA – Arts
• NAT-ICS – Computer Science
• NAT-IGS – General Science
• NAT-ICOM – Commerce

Candidates with 14 years of education can take the applicable NAT-II category.

Your NAT category matters because an institution may accept a particular subject group for a particular degree.

How to Apply to NAT Associated Universities

Passing NAT does not complete the university admission process.

After receiving your NAT result:

Step 1: Check Your Result

Confirm your NAT score and result validity.

Step 2: Select Universities

Choose institutions that accept your NAT category for the degree you want.

Step 3: Check Eligibility

Review:

• Minimum marks
• Required subjects
• NAT score requirements
• Age requirements, if applicable
• Additional tests
• Program-specific conditions

Step 4: Apply Separately

Submit the university’s own admission application before its deadline.

Step 5: Submit NAT Result

Provide your NTS result card or the information requested by the university.

Step 6: Wait for Merit

Admission depends on the university’s merit and selection process.

How Long Is NAT Result Valid?

According to NTS, the NAT result is valid for one year.

This means students can potentially use a valid NAT result for participating university applications during that validity period, subject to the admission rules of each institution.

NAT Schedule 2026

NTS has published a 2026 NAT schedule with tests throughout the year. The schedule includes NAT-I through NAT-XII. For example, NTS lists NAT-IX for September 13, 2026, NAT-X for October 11, 2026, NAT-XI for November 15, 2026, and NAT-XII for December 13, 2026.

Students planning university admission should check the latest NTS schedule and the individual university deadline before selecting a NAT test date.

Does Passing NAT Guarantee Admission?

No.

Passing NAT only provides the required test result where the university accepts it.

You may still need to:

• Meet the minimum academic qualification
• Meet subject requirements
• Submit the university application
• Pay the admission application fee
• Meet the merit requirement
• Complete an interview or additional assessment where applicable

NTS explicitly states that candidates must apply for admission according to the respective university’s announcement.

FAQ

What are NAT associated universities in Pakistan?

NAT-associated universities are institutions that participate in the NTS National Aptitude Test system for relevant undergraduate admissions. NTS currently lists 32 universities/DAIs on its NAT-associated list.

Can I apply to multiple universities with one NAT result?

Yes. NTS states that candidates can become eligible for associated universities in the relevant subject group using a single NAT result, but they must apply separately to each university.

How long is the NAT result valid?

NTS states that the NAT result is valid for one year.

Does every program at an associated university accept NAT?

No. Some institutions list NAT acceptance for specific departments, programs or categories. Always check the university’s current admission advertisement.

Is COMSATS a NAT-associated university?

Yes. COMSATS University is included in the current NTS NAT-associated list.

Is FAST a NAT-associated university?

Yes. The current NTS list includes the National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST), with all campuses indicated in the listing.

Is UMT included in the NAT-associated universities?

Yes. The University of Management & Technology, Lahore, appears on the current NTS NAT-associated list.