What Is NTS in Pakistan? NAT, GAT & Complete Test Guide (2026–27)

If you're applying to a Pakistani university or planning to pursue an MS/MPhil, you've probably come across the term NTS. NTS — the National Testing Service — is the organization behind two of the most common admission tests in the country: the NAT (for undergraduate admissions) and the GAT (for postgraduate admissions).

This guide covers exactly what NTS is, how NAT and GAT differ, their test patterns, fees, which universities accept them, and how to apply — based directly on NTS's own official information.

What Does NTS Stand For?

NTS stands for National Testing Service — a public-sector, non-profit organization in Pakistan that designs and administers standardized tests for university admissions, HEC scholarships, and recruitment. NTS was established in 2002 as part of the National Education Policy (1998–2010) and the Government of Pakistan's IT Policy. Its promoter institution is COMSATS University, Islamabad, and it holds ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 27001 certifications.

NTS conducts several types of tests, but for university applicants, two matter most:

This guide focuses specifically on NAT and GAT since those are what matter for university admissions.

NAT vs GAT — What's the Difference?

NAT and GAT aren't different names for the same test — they serve completely different admission levels.

NAT Test Pattern & Question Distribution

NAT is conducted in two categories, based on how many years of education you've completed.

Category I — For 12 Years of Education (90 MCQs, 120 minutes)

Six test types, each with the same overall structure: 20 English, 20 Analytical, 20 Quantitative, and 30 subject-specific questions.

Category II — For 14 Years of Education (100 MCQs, 120 minutes)

Full Subject-Wise Breakdown, by Test Type

Tap a test type below to see exactly how its subject section is split — straight from NTS's official paper pattern.

GAT Test Pattern (100 MCQs, 120 Minutes)

GAT-General is split into four categories based on your intended field of study, each with its own Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical weightage:

NTS also offers GAT-Subject for candidates whose target program requires subject-specific testing rather than the general aptitude format — this splits 30% General Section and 70% Subject Section.

NTS Test at a Glance

What Are the Passing Marks for NTS Test?

This means the same NAT score can be "good enough" for one university's program and not for another's, depending on how competitive that year's applicant pool is. Always check the specific merit criteria published by the university you're applying to, rather than assuming a fixed passing score applies across the board.

On percentile scoring: NTS does not publish the exact percentile calculation methodology on its official pages. If a university tells you it uses your NAT/GAT percentile rather than raw score, check with that university directly for how it's calculated and what percentile it requires.

Is There Negative Marking in the NTS Test?

You may see other websites claim a fixed deduction (such as 0.25 marks per wrong answer) — that isn't confirmed anywhere in NTS's own published materials, so treat it as unverified rather than official policy. If you want certainty, check the specific test instructions on your NAT/GAT roll number slip or the official NTS FAQ page before your test date.

Which Universities Accept NTS (NAT)?

NTS publishes an official list of 32 NAT-associated universities and degree-awarding institutes. Some of the better-known names include:

• Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
• COMSATS University, Islamabad (all campuses)
• National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST) — all campuses
• International Islamic University, Islamabad (select departments)
• Islamia University, Bahawalpur
• University of Gujrat
• University of Peshawar
• UET Peshawar (non-engineering programmes)
• Government College University, Faisalabad
• Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad

Not every well-known university uses NAT — for example, GIKI conducts its own separate admission test rather than accepting NAT scores, and UET Lahore/Taxila's main engineering programs use ECAT, not NAT. Always confirm directly with your target university's own admissions page whether they require NAT, GAT, or their own separate test.

How to Apply for the NTS Test

1. Register (one-time only) on the NTS Online Registration Portal at nts.org.pk
2. Upload a recent photograph with full face exposure
3. Select the specific test project you're applying for (e.g. the current NAT-IE cycle) from the list of open projects
4. Download your bank deposit slip from the portal and pay the fee via 1Link 1Bill, ATM, internet/mobile banking, EasyPaisa, JazzCash, or TCS Express
5. Fill in your personal, academic, and (if applicable) employment information accurately, including your board name in the correct abbreviated format
6. Select your primary and secondary test city
7. Your roll number slip is uploaded to the portal at least 7 days before the test, with an SMS notification sent to your registered number

What to Know Before Test Day

• Bring your original roll number slip and original CNIC (or B-Form + SSC certificate if under 18) — you won't be admitted without it
• Arrive by the reporting time on your slip; latecomers aren't admitted
• Only blue or black ballpoint pens are allowed for shading answer circles
• Calculators, mobile phones, and smartwatches with calculator functions aren't allowed in the test center
• Shading two answers for one question marks that question as zero — mark only one answer per question
• Blank rough-work pages are provided inside the question booklet; no outside stationery is allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

NTS runs two distinct tests — NAT for undergraduate admissions and GAT for postgraduate admissions — each with its own pattern, fee, and validity period. Since NTS itself doesn't set a fixed passing score, the number that actually matters is whatever cutoff your specific target university publishes for that admission cycle.

Sources

• National Testing Service (NTS) Pakistan — About NTS — nts.org.pk/new/AboutNTS.php
• NTS — National Aptitude Test (NAT) — nts.org.pk/new/NAT.php
• NTS — NAT Paper Pattern & Question Distribution — nts.org.pk/new/nat-paper-pattern.php
• NTS — Graduate Assessment Test GAT-General — nts.org.pk/new/GAT-G.php
• NTS — GAT-General Paper Distribution — nts.org.pk/new/gat-g-paper-dist.php
• NTS — Frequently Asked Questions — nts.org.pk/new/faq.php