All around the world, in educational & professional competition, it is almost mandatory to qualify for specific tests like ECAT. These tests and trials are carefully designed to gauge the abilities of candidates. Sometimes organizations and institutions conduct evaluations in-house, managing the processes from applications to results and selection. Other times, candidates are examined by established and credible authorities especially built for testing purposes.
Among these different types of tests, what is ECAT? It is one of the most popular tests and is widely accepted by most engineering universities. ECAT was an initiative of the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. It is a test conducted in Punjab, a province of Pakistan, each year for admission in BE, BS, and BSc Engineering degrees.
This examination system was initiated by the then Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, in an effort to counter cheating allegations and schemes. It was also introduced to terminate the authoritarian and solitary supremacy of HSSC board examinations as some institutes disagree in relying entirely on HSSC board results.
What is ECAT?
ECAT stands for Engineering College Admission Test, which is the entrance exam conducted by the University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore. ECAT is a prerequisite for admission in UET, Lahore and its affiliated institutions, and all other public sector engineering institutions in Punjab. Some private institutions also require ECAT as a prerequisite.
Students from F.Sc. (Pre-Engineering)/HSSC and equivalent who want to pursue a degree in engineering colleges and universities take part in ECAT. Each year, almost 50,000 students from all the districts of Punjab, and the Federal Territory, Islamabad compete in the test for merely around 3,000 BS/B.Sc. Engineering seats.
ECAT is an MCQ-based test. The test is divided into four portions based on subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry /Computer Science / Statistics
- English.
These MCQs are distributed per subject as follow:
- Mathematics (30 MCQs)
- Physics (30 MCQs)
- Chemistry (30 MCQs) (can be substituted by Computer Science or Statistics)
- English (10 MCQs)
The Chemistry portion of the test can also be substituted by Computer Science or Statistics if you want to opt for a Computer Science or General Science degree.
ECAT scores combined with a specific percentage of Matric and Intermediate results, an aggregate is calculated for every student, and then merit lists are established.
Which universities accept ECAT in Pakistan?
So, we have established an understanding of ECAT and catered to a very frequently asked question, i.e., what is ECAT. Another thing that students consider before applying for the ECAT test is which universities accept ECAT in Pakistan. Though it’s not an exhaustive list but to get you started, here are a few renowned universities that accept the ECAT Test:
- National University of Sciences & Technology (College of EME & MCS)
- Lahore University of Management Sciences
- COMSATS University Islamabad
- National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences
- University of Engineering and Technology
- The University of Central Punjab, Lahore
- The University of Lahore
- Superior College, Lahore
- The Hajvery University, Lahore
- Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
How do I prepare for the ECAT 2022 exam?
Engineering education in Pakistan starts after class 12/A-Levels. There are hundreds of universities in Pakistan that offer undergraduate engineering programs across the country.
If you’re looking to gain admission into one of the top engineering universities in Pakistan then you’ve landed at the right place. Noon offers the best online learning platform for the ECAT 2022 exam in Pakistan.
Noon’s ECAT interactive classes consist of live and recorded classes, Q&A sessions within each session, recommendation and guidelines on how to ace the exam and practice sessions for each section of the ECAT exam based on the past ten years past papers. Currently there are more than 15,000 students enrolled in our ECAT 2022 classes spread across English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Why wait and miss out on all the learning opportunities with Noon’s team of instructors?
What makes Noon’s ECAT 2022 classes so effective and differentiated?
- Hundreds of hours of live and recorded video sessions to walk all students through the process of understanding, internalizing and acing the ECAT 2022 exam concepts.
- Noon’s ECAT 2022 classes teach you how the exam designers actually think and structure the pattern.
- Our online interactive sessions are the most representative because our faculty has successfully aced the exam during their careers – so you will be extra prepared and confident on the exam day.
How to Apply Online for ECAT 2022?
If you wish to apply online for ECAT 2022, the process is straightforward. Follow through these steps carefully:
- Go to the official website of UET and easily register yourself with a CNIC number or B.Form number. Set the password and remember it for the process later
- Next, select the elective subjects of Intermediate
- Fill in your particulars in accordance with educational documents. Carefully add the details because re-writing or editing will not be possible
- Now submit the online application, print it out, and submit it to the nearest test center
- Entry test fee, as mentioned, should be submitted to HBL, UET Lahore branch, or an online transfer can also be made to the designated account number
Also, it is better to bring along your official documents while submitting the application at the test center. Applications can be rejected if you are unable to verify your original certificates.
How to Prepare for ECAT 2022?
ECAT Negative Marking
There are 100 MCQs to be solved in 100 minutes hence speed and technique matter a lot. Each MCQ is of 4 marks adding up to a total of 400 effects. Negative marking (-1) is allotted if the answer to an MCQ is wrong. If the question is left blank, you get a 0.
If you want to take a guess on a question, then it is worth noting that you stand to lose one mark if it’s wrong, but you also stand to gain four marks if it is correct. Make sure you calculate your risk correctly.
The syllabus for ECAT 2022 and FSC is closely aligned
The syllabus for ECAT and FSc is almost the same. There is a large degree of overlap between both syllabuses. Most of the concepts, formulas, and diagrams in the ECAT are taken directly from the FSc syllabus. It is a smart strategy to use your pace while preparing for FSc to direct it towards ECAT preparation too. This will help you ensure that your concepts stay strong up until the ECAT. You can also refer to a dedicated ECAT preparation book.
Focus on the core concepts instead of rote learning
While preparing for FSc, ECAT preparation is almost a by-product of the single effort you are putting in. But if you won’t work smartly, you lose on both. Focus on concepts. Rote learning will not work. Even if you make it past the FSc, it will be impossible for you to retain those concepts and apply them in the ECAT exams.
The best part of preparing for ECAT 2022 with Noon is our faculty. Our instructors have a special focus on streamlining and facilitating students in understanding concepts better without having to do rote learning.
Our star studded team of instructors includes the likes of Hamza Asif. He is currently serving as a Chemistry instructor at various reputable institutions. He is a Graduate in Biomedical Engineering and currently pursuing an M.S Degree in Industrial Chemistry from NED University of Science and Technology. He is known as a knowledgeable and effective spokesperson with more than five years of teaching experience to the intermediate level.
Practice Past Papers Regularly
Practicing past exam papers helps to fine-tune fundamental exam techniques and to refresh understanding of key phrases or terminology. This exercise gives you an insight into the paper pattern and the difficulty level of questions.
Keep track of which paper you have worked through so you don’t solve those papers repetitively. It also helps in terms of time management. It is recommended to take a systematic approach to this. Also, make sure not to waste too much time on one concept.
The key feature with Noon is that our teachers are instructed to incorporate chapter wise past paper practice as part of the syllabus to further improve students’ understanding of core concepts.
Make sure you practice extensively and endlessly. Otherwise, you are likely to fall short of the target you have decided to achieve in ECAT. You can even google for some online test preparation services and try those out to see if they suit you.
Time Management is Essential
With minimal time, the only way you can out-perform is if you have practiced it a thousand times before. You cannot afford to enter the exam hall unprepared. The key to mastering this is by doing past papers over and over again. There are four subjects, so that means tons of past papers from which to practice.
It is recommended to take a systematic approach to this. Also, make sure to time yourself, and judge your performance against the time allotted to you. Are you unable to complete the paper in time? Is there a concept that takes up too much of your time? It is crucial for you to evaluate yourself and cover your weak points.
Have a plan in place while preparing for the test
To overcome the sheer volume of past papers that you need to have on your fingertips, you need to make a schedule for practicing them. If your approach is random, then you will waste a lot of time and effort without even realizing it! Firstly, you should do some general practice to make sure that you can perform under time pressures on exam day and have memorized the approach to test-taking. But that is not enough.
Try and Figure out what are the challenging portions of ECAT 2022 for you?
It would help if you also did loads of specific practice. The key is to have self-awareness by realizing what your strengths and weaknesses are. Maybe you struggle with matrices. Perhaps English grammar has never been your strong suit. But this should not give you a setback. Because this is where your specific practice will help you, pay extra emphasis on these topics while solving the past papers.
Subject Wise Tips for ECAT 2022:
There is a fixed course outline for the test as far as the subjects are concerned. However, the subjects will be selected by the candidate while filling out the application form.
ECAT English Section
In the English section of ECAT, a variety of English concepts are tested, including analogies, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction, reading comprehension, etc. specifically, it is divided into the following sections:
- Vocabulary (synonyms and antonyms)
- Grammar (subject-verb agreement, active-passive voice, direct, indirect speech, punctuation, sentence completion, detecting errors in a sentence, etc.)
- Comprehension (questions asked from an unseen passage. The questions may vary from the content to the vocabulary of the passage.)
ECAT Math Section
For the Math section, all the concepts are linked together, and they build on top of each other. This portion contains the expansive labyrinth of formulae, numerical and equations one usually dreads the most. If there is a concept that you find difficult, do not ignore it, thinking that it won’t be tested much because it might be needed in solving another question that could be heavily tested.
Make sure you perform your practice without a calculator because it will not be allowed in the ECAT. The mathematics portion in ECAT holds 30 MCQs and has the same marking criterion as physics and chemistry.
ECAT Physics Section
Physics and mathematics are the subjects that actually MATTER in engineering degrees. So it is imperative that ECAT enthusiasts need to revere these subjects even more.
With 30% weightage in ECAT, this portion encompasses 30 MCQs with four marks each for one MCQ. Bear in mind that just like at 2019, ECAT works on the policy of deducting one mark for each wrong answer. The syllabus comprises 21 chapters in total (11 from the First Year Physics textbook and ten from the Second Year Physics textbook).
ECAT Chemistry Section
The segment for chemistry in ECAT constitutes 30% constituting 30 MCQs, each with four marks.
The syllabus consists of chapters from 1st and 2nd-year Intermediate textbooks. Preparing syllabus from both textbooks is equally essential for the students. For A-Levels or DAE students, the topics remain the same.
H2: Which book is the best for ECAT 2022 preparation?
Over time the difficulty level of ECAT is increasing, requiring students to have an excellent conceptual understanding of the FSc level coursework. Though there is not one go-to book for acing ECAT, it’s better to consult at least a couple of resources. But if you are short on time, pick one of the popular books as follows:
- ECAT Smart Brain by Dogar Brothers
- ECAT Preparation Edition By I.T.S Gul Center Hyderabad
- NUST ECAT 1 Equals 4 Guide
- Smart Brain ECAT Challenge 2 plus 8 by Dogar Brothers
- NUST ECAT Solved Papers
- Smart Brain Mathematics
- NUST BCAT Guide by Dogar Brothers
- Smart Brain Biology
- Smart Brain Physics
- Smart Brain Chemistry
- Smart Brain English
H2: How to Prepare for ECAT 2022 at home?
You already know that getting admission to the top engineering universities of Pakistan, you have to score high marks on ECAT. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and focus, especially when you are preparing without a support group or being enrolled in an academy. So you have to pull up your socks yourself.
Begin with understanding the paper pattern and marks distribution as per the subject section. This will help you time yourself while preparing and finally in the test as well. Find the resource books which are the best for ECAT preparation, select one, and thoroughly study it.
Most students don’t know that the syllabus of ECAT comes straight from those FSC books. It is best to start preparing for the MCQs at the same time as you prepare for your board exams. Don’t rush through every topic; instead, try to understand the context, concepts, and formulas. Read your text line by line to get a better understanding rather than mugging the chapters aimlessly.
Practice and revise as much as you can. Complete your syllabus at least one month before the exam so you can revise it at least three times. The more you practice, the more you achieve. Solving past papers is an excellent way of preparing for your exam. Try to solve at least 1 ECAT past paper a week. This not only hones your time management skills but also concretes your learned concepts.
You might feel the heat of the entry tests going on along with ECAT, but keep reminding yourself that this too shall pass. Hard work will pay off as you securely land yourself in a reputed institution.
What is the difference between ECAT and MDCAT?
ECAT stands for Engineering College Admission Test and is required for the pre-engineering students to get admission in all engineering colleges of both private and public sectors. It is conducted through National Testing Service (NTS).
Medical College Admission Test, MCAT, has been renamed as Medical and Dental College Admission Test that is MDCAT. It is a prerequisite to get admission to all medical colleges for both the private and public sectors. It is held by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
ECAT 2022 FAQs
What Is The Validity Period Of ECAT Test Scores?
Your test scores would be valid only for the current admission cycle. You will not be able to use them for future admissions cycles.
Is There Negative Marking In The ECAT Test?
There are a total of 100 marks, and every correct answer earns you four marks. However, incorrect answers will also cause a negative marking of -1.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria Of Admission In The ECAT Exam?
Candidates with the following qualifications can apply:
- Inter Pre-engineering or equivalent foreign certification
- Intermediate with Physics & Maths with CS or Statistics as 3rd subject or equivalent foreign degree
- Intermediate premedical or equivalent foreign degree
- DAE, B.Sc (Eng.) Technology or equivalent exam
What Documents Are Needed To Apply For ECAT 2022 Exams?
- Attested domicile with the latest picture
- Photocopy of computerized original CNIC or computerized B-form
- Photocopy of mark sheet
- Photocopies of all examinations and degrees that the candidate has passed
- Six recent passport-sized pictures
- IBCC equivalence certificates for students with a foreign qualification
Are There Any Seats Reserved For Foreign Pakistanis?
Yes, you can apply with attested documents by the Pakistani Embassy in that country.
What Documents Are Required To Apply For Admission For Seats For Foreign Candidates?
The following documents are needed:
- Attested photocopy of the resident visa of the candidate’s guardian given by the Pakistani Embassy of the respective country
- Guardian’s employment certificate (on Form-VIII) generated by the Pakistani Embassy of the respective country
Are Any Stationery Or Electronic Items Prohibited During The Exam?
Only a blue/black ball pen is allowed as a stationery item. The calculator is not permitted in ECAT. You have to do your practice without a calculator. Learn to solve questions without a calculator because it is not allowed in ECAT. Also, mobile phones will not be allowed either.
With these preliminary points in mind, we hope we have succeeded in creating a mental map of ECAT in your mind. Stick to these points while you navigate to make your way through the application process and the test. We hope you will benefit from this article and score well for your ambitions to come true!