IST Admissions 2026 – Quick, Simple Guide for New Students

The Institute of Space Technology (IST) is one of Pakistan’s most prestigious engineering and applied sciences universities, known for its highly specialized programs in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Electrical Engineering, Computing, Materials Science, Space Science, and emerging technologies such as AI and Data Science. If you plan to apply for IST Undergraduate Admissions 2026, this fully detailed guide covers every important detail—key dates, eligibility, accepted entry tests, fee structure, merit formula, required documents, scholarships, and the complete admission process.

This blog is based on verified information from previous IST admission cycles (2024–2025) and official sources. The Fall 2026 admission cycle is expected to follow the same pattern.

1. Key Admission Dates – Fall 2026 (Expected)

IST admissions open once every year (Fall only). Below is the expected schedule for Fall 2026 based on the 2025 timeline.

Event	Date (Expected)	Remarks
Online Applications Open	May 2026 (Tentative)	Follows 2025 pattern
Application Deadline	31 July 2026 (Tentative)	Expected extension possible
Merit List Display	Aug–Sep 2026	Usually 2–3 merit lists
Classes Begin	Late September 2026	Aligned with IST academic calendar

2. Undergraduate Programs Offered at IST

IST offers specialized BS programs across Engineering, Applied Sciences, and Computing. Full program list: Official IST Website

Engineering Programs (PEC Accredited)

• BS Aerospace Engineering
• BS Avionics Engineering
• BS Electrical Engineering
• BS Mechanical Engineering
• BS Materials Science & Engineering

BS Programs in Science, Space & Computing

• BS Computer Science
• BS Artificial Intelligence
• BS Data Science
• BS Space Science
• BS Physics
• BS Mathematics
• BS Biotechnology

3. Eligibility Criteria (Updated for 2026)

A. Eligibility for Engineering Programs (Aerospace, Avionics, Electrical, Mechanical, MSE)

Requirement	Details
Matric	60% Minimum
Intermediate	F.Sc Pre-Engineering / ICS (Math & Physics) – 60%+
DAE	Relevant fields only (list below)
Entry Test	Minimum 33% in any accepted test

Acceptable DAE Fields (Program-wise):

• Aerospace: Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automation
• Avionics: Avionics, Electronics, Radar, Instrumentation
• Electrical: Electronics, Telecom, Computer/IT
• Materials Science: Foundry, Ceramics, Mechanical

B. Eligibility for Computing & Science Programs

Program	Minimum Requirement
BS Computer Science	50% in F.Sc (Math required) or ICS
BS Artificial Intelligence	50% in F.Sc (Math) or Pre-Medical (with deficiency math courses)
BS Data Science	F.Sc or ICS with Math (50%)
BS Physics / Space Science	F.Sc Pre-Engineering or ICS
BS Mathematics	50% in F.Sc with Math OR 60% in DAE
BS Biotechnology	F.Sc Pre-Medical – 50%+

Note: Pre-Medical students admitted to CS/AI/Data Science must complete 6 additional credit hours of Mathematics.

4. Accepted Entry Tests for IST Admissions

IST accepts the widest range of entry tests among engineering universities.

Test	Conducting Body	Status
NAT-IE / NAT-ICS	NTS	Accepted (Min 33%)
HAT	HEC ETC	Accepted
NET	NUST	Accepted
ECAT	UET Lahore	Accepted
ETEA	UET Peshawar	Accepted
MUET / NED Tests	Respective Universities	Accepted
ACT (International)	ACT-USA	Accepted

5. Merit Calculation Formula (2026)

A. For F.Sc Applicants

Component	Weightage
SSC / Matric	20%
F.Sc Part-I	40%
Entry Test	40%

B. For A-Level Applicants

Component	Weightage
O-Level Grades	40%
Entry Test Score	60%

C. For DAE Applicants

Component	Weightage
Matric	20%
DAE Final Year	40%
Entry Test	40%

Note: IST considers the highest valid test score from July 2024 to July 2025.

6. Fee Structure (2025–26 Updated)

Based on official IST fee notifications.

Program Category	Estimated Fee / Semester
Engineering (All BS programs)	Approx. Rs. 120,000 – 145,000
Computer Science / AI / Data Science	Approx. Rs. 115,000 – 140,000
Physics / Space Science / Math	Approx. Rs. 95,000 – 120,000
Biotechnology	Approx. Rs. 100,000 – 125,000

Additional Charges:
• Admission Fee: ~Rs. 25,000 (one-time)
• Security Deposit: ~Rs. 10,000 (refundable)
• Hostel Fee: ~Rs. 60,000 – 95,000 per semester

7. Required Documents for IST Admission

• Matric Certificate (SSC)
• Intermediate Certificate (F.Sc / ICS)
• DAE Certificate (if applicable)
• O/A Level Equivalence (IBCC)
• CNIC / B-Form
• Passport-size photograph
• Entry Test Result Card

8. Scholarships & Financial Assistance

• Merit Scholarships (based on semester GPA)
• Need-based financial aid
• HEC Need-Based Scholarship
• Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship
• PEEF Scholarships
• Special scholarships for top-performing students

9. Step-by-Step IST Admission Process

Step	Description	Notes
1	Create an account at IST Admissions Portal	Official Portal Link
2	Fill Personal & Academic Information	Use correct spellings & dates
3	Upload Documents	Clear scanned copies required
4	Enter Entry Test Score(s)	Highest score will be used
5	Submit Application	Download & save PDF copy
6	Check Merit List	Multiple merit lists may be displayed
7	Submit Documents After Selection	Original documents required
8	Pay Fee to Confirm Seat	Deadline mentioned in offer letter

10. Important Tips for IST Applicants

1. Apply early; IST portal becomes slow near the deadline.
2. Prepare for multiple tests—IST accepts all major entry tests.
3. Upload high-quality scanned documents.
4. Check program-wise eligibility before applying.
5. Save your test roll number and fee voucher copies.
6. Hostel seats are limited—apply immediately after selection.
7. Follow IST’s official announcements through their website.

11. Official Links & Contact Information

Official Website: https://www.ist.edu.pk
Admissions Email: admissions@ist.edu.pk
Address: Islamabad Highway, Near Rawat Toll Plaza, Islamabad

12. Useful Study Resources (Internal Links)

• ThinkStudyLearn – Entry Test Prep
• TSL Knowledge Hub (Past Papers)
• Engineering Test Preparation
• AI Past Paper Builder

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