NTS Tests Guide: NAT, GAT and Recruitment Tests Explained

The National Testing Service (NTS) is a testing organisation in Pakistan that conducts tests for admissions, scholarships, recruitment and promotion. Its official website is nts.org.pk.

Main NTS tests

Test	Used for
NAT (National Aptitude Test)	Admission to undergraduate programmes in universities that accept it
GAT General	Admission to MS/MPhil programmes
GAT Subject	Admission to PhD programmes, based on your subject
Recruitment tests	Jobs in government departments and organisations that hire NTS to test candidates

The official website lists the test schedules, last dates to apply and the organisations currently using NTS.

Common sections in NTS-style tests

Most NTS aptitude tests include some or all of these:

1. Verbal ability (English)

• Synonyms and antonyms
• Sentence completion
• Analogies
• Reading comprehension

2. Quantitative ability (Maths)

• Arithmetic: percentages, ratio, averages, profit and loss
• Algebra and basic geometry
• Word problems

3. Analytical reasoning

• Series and patterns
• Logical puzzles and seating arrangements
• Coding-decoding and blood relations

4. Subject or general knowledge (depending on the test)

• Subject questions for NAT and GAT Subject
• General knowledge, Pakistan studies and Islamiat for many recruitment tests

The exact sections, number of questions and marks are given in each test's notification on nts.org.pk.

How to prepare

• Vocabulary: learn 15-20 new words daily with their synonyms and antonyms.
• Maths speed: practise mental calculation and shortcuts for percentages and ratios.
• Reasoning: solve a few puzzles every day; reasoning improves quickly with practice.
• Mock tests: take timed practice tests to manage time across sections.

Practise here

• NTS exam page for mixed practice
• English MCQs, Mathematics MCQs and Analytical Reasoning MCQs
• The Daily Quiz for a quick daily workout

Tips

• Read the test notification carefully: sections, marks, time and any negative marking.
• Bring your roll number slip and original CNIC on test day.
• Apply only through the official NTS website.

Always confirm test details on nts.org.pk.