NTS Test Explained: NAT, GAT and Where They Are Used

If someone tells you to sit the NTS test, the first thing to know is that there is no single "NTS test". NTS stands for National Testing Service, a Pakistani testing body that runs several different exams. The two you will hear about most are the NAT, used for undergraduate (BS) admissions, and the GAT, used for MS, MPhil and PhD admissions. NTS also runs job-screening tests for government and private recruitment. This guide explains what each NTS test is, who it is for, and how long your result stays valid, so you sit the right one.

What is the NTS test and who runs it?

NTS (National Testing Service) is Pakistan's first self-sustained testing organization. It builds and conducts standardized MCQ-based tests for university admissions, scholarships, recruitment and promotions. So "NTS test" is an umbrella term. The actual test you sit depends on your goal: a bachelor's admission, a master's or PhD admission, or a job.

Many universities and degree-awarding institutes accept an NTS score instead of running their own entry test, which is why one NTS result can be used at several institutions. Always check that your target university actually accepts the NTS test before you register, because some run their own paper instead.

What are the main NTS tests: NAT, GAT General and GAT Subject?

The main NTS tests are the NAT (National Aptitude Test) for undergraduate admissions and the GAT (Graduate Assessment Test) for postgraduate admissions. GAT splits into GAT General for MS and MPhil, and GAT Subject for PhD. Here is how they line up.

NAT-I and NAT-II are the two categories of the National Aptitude Test. NAT-I (Category One) is for candidates with 12 years of education (FSc or equivalent) applying to BS programs. NAT-II (Category Two) is for candidates with 14 years of education applying to certain programs. Each splits further by field, for example NAT-IM for pre-medical, NAT-IE for pre-engineering and NAT-ICS for computer science.

What is the NAT test pattern?

The NAT is a paper-based MCQ test. The format differs by category: NAT-I (Category One, for 12 years of education) has 90 questions in 120 minutes; NAT-II (Category Two, for 14 years of education) has 100 questions in 120 minutes. The marks are split across a subject section and three general sections: verbal (English), quantitative (basic maths) and analytical reasoning. The exact subject split depends on which NAT type you sit, so a pre-medical NAT-IM weighs biology and chemistry while a pre-engineering NAT-IE weighs physics and maths.

• Format: NAT-I is 90 MCQs in 120 minutes; NAT-II is 100 MCQs in 120 minutes; both paper-based
• Sections: subject knowledge + verbal + quantitative + analytical
• Types: NAT-IM (pre-medical), NAT-IE (pre-engineering), NAT-ICS (computer science), NAT-IA (arts) and more
• Result validity: 1 year from the test date

For a full breakdown of the NAT categories, the per-type marks split and how to prepare each section, read our dedicated NAT test guide rather than treating this overview as the deep dive.

What is the GAT test pattern?

The GAT General is a 100-MCQ test taken in 120 minutes, built around three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical reasoning. The standard passing mark is 50%, though a pass alone does not guarantee admission, because departments often set their own higher cut-offs. GAT General is for MS and MPhil applicants; GAT Subject is the deeper, field-specific paper for PhD candidates.

• Format: 100 MCQs, 120 minutes
• Sections: verbal + quantitative + analytical reasoning
• Passing mark: 50% (departments may want higher)
• Result validity: 2 years from the test date

If you are heading into a master's or PhD, our GAT test guide goes section by section through the curriculum, scoring and category papers.

How long is an NTS test result valid?

A NAT result is valid for 1 year from the test date. A GAT result, whether General or Subject, is valid for 2 years. NTS conducts both tests several times a year, with the schedule published on the official site usually about a month before each sitting. Because validity windows and dates change, confirm the current schedule on nts.org.pk before you plan around them.

How much does the NTS test cost and when is it held?

Fees and exact test dates change every cycle, so we will not quote a fixed number here. NTS publishes the current registration fee, deadlines and the full year schedule on nts.org.pk, and dates are typically announced around 30 days before each test. Register early, because late deadlines and limited test centres can leave you without a slot. While you build your verbal, quantitative and analytical speed, you can practice MDCAT and ECAT MCQs on Parhlai to sharpen the same reasoning and timing skills these papers test.