USAT Test for BS Admission: Test Format & Types

The USAT (Undergraduate Studies Admission Test) is a standardized test for admission in undergraduate degree programs in universities. It is conducted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) through its testing body the ‘Education Testing Council (ETC)’.

Since the HEC has made the USAT mandatory for admission to BS programs, most universities in Pakistan now require students to pass the USAT for admission in their BS programs. For some universities, USAT may not be compulsory, however, they still give preference to candidates who have qualified the USAT. These universities often allocate specific weightage to the USAT score, which is counted towards the overall merit calculation for admission to their BS programs.

This article provides a complete guide to the USAT for students.

■ Overall Format the USAT Test

• Total Marks: 100
• Total Questions: 75 MCQs + two essay writing questions of 25 marks.

The USAT is divided into the following two sections:
Part I – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Time: 100 Minutes

This section has following three components:

• Verbal reasoning: 20 MCQs (English grammar, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion)
• Quantitative reasoning: 25 MCQs (Basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, statistics)
• Subject-specific knowledge: 30 MCQs (Based on student’s educational background or intended field of study e.g. biology, physics, chemistry, economics, commerce etc)

Part II – Essay Writing Section

• Total Time: 40 Minutes

This section has following two components:

• Argument-based essay writing on given topic (15 marks)
• Narrative essay writing on given topic (15 marks)

Students may attempt the above essays either in English or Urdu.

■ Details of Common Parts of USAT Test

The following three components remains the same for all types of USAT Test.

1. Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section consists of 20 MCQs. It assesses the student’s English language and grammar ability, as follows:

2. Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section contains 25 MCQs. It evaluates mathematical and numerical reasoning ability, as follows:

3. Essay Writing Section

The second part of the USAT assess students’ essay writing abilities. Students can write essays either in English or Urdu according to their preference.

The essay section contains two parts:

A. Argument-Based Essay

• Students attempt 1 essay out of 3 given topics
• Total Marks: 15

In this essay, students present arguments, opinions, and logical reasoning on a particular topic.

B. Narrative Essay

• Students attempt 1 essay out of 3 given topics
• Total Marks: 10

This essay evaluates descriptive and narrative writing skills.

■ Types of USAT Tests and Subject-Specific Part

USAT has following seven (07) types or categories based on students’ educational background or intended field of study.

As noted, the above three components remains the same for all types of USAT tests, however, the following part may vary for each type of test based on intended subject category, as explained below:

1. USAT-E (Pre-Engineering)

The USAT-E category is designed for students who have completed intermediate education in Pre-Engineering.

2. USAT-M (Pre-Medical)

The USAT-M category is for students from the Pre-Medical background.

This category emphasizes biology because it is the major subject for medical students.

3. USAT-A (Arts and Humanities)

The USAT-A category is intended for students from Arts and Humanities backgrounds.

4. USAT-CS (Computer Science)

The USAT-CS category is designed for students seeking admission in Computer Science and Information Technology programs.

5. USAT-GS (General Science)

The USAT-GS category is for students from General Science backgrounds.

6. USAT-COM (Commerce)

The USAT-COM category is intended for commerce students.

This category evaluates students’ understanding of business, accounting, and economic concepts.

■ Eligibility Criteria for USAT

A candidate must have:

• Passed Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent education
• or appeared in the final examination awaiting results

Students from all educational boards and provinces of Pakistan are eligible.

■ Number of Questions and Duration

The test generally consists of 100 MCQ and test duration is 100 minutes. However, for some test, the number of question may vary from 75 to 100 MCQs.

■ How to Apply for USAT

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Students are required to apply online on ETC Online Portal by visiting the official website of HEC.

Step 2: Create an Account

Applicants must:

• Create an online account on ETC portal using their CNIC/B-Form/Passport number or email ID (as username) and setting a password.
• Enter your personal information
• Enter academic information

Step 3: Select Test Category

Choose the relevant USAT category according to your academic background and intended university discipline.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Usually required:

• Recent photograph
• CNIC/B-Form copy
• Academic information and scan copies of educational document if required.

Step 5: Pay Test Fee

The test fee is submitted through online banking, ATM, mobile banking, or bank deposit. Fee details are mentioned in the official advertisement.

Step 6: Submit Application

After completing all information and fee payment, students submit the online application.

Step 7: Download Roll Number Slip

Before the test date, candidates can download the following from ETC online portal:

• Roll number slip
• Test center details
• Reporting instructions

■ USAT Test Centers

HEC ETC conducts the USAT in multiple cities across Pakistan to facilitate students from different cities such as:

• Karachi
• Lahore
• Islamabad
• Peshawar
• Quetta
• Hyderabad
• Multan
• Faisalabad
• Sukkur
• Bahawalpur

Additional centers may also be announced depending on the number of applicants. Students can usually select their preferred city while applying.

■ Validity of USAT Score

The USAT score generally remains valid for one year. During this period, students can use the score for admissions in universities.

■ Passing Marks and Merit

Universities determine their own merit criteria by giving different weightage to the following components:

• USAT score
• Intermediate marks
• Additional university requirements

A higher score increases the chances of admission to competitive universities and programs.

■ Universities Accepting USAT

Many public and private universities in Pakistan consider USAT scores for undergraduate admissions. However, some universities may not have made the USAT compulsory, but they still give preference to it by assigning a specific weightage to the USAT score, which counts toward making the overall merit for admission. Students should check the admission policy of their target university because acceptance requirements may vary.