NDU’s Merit Determination Criteria for Fall 2026 set BS merit as 40% academic background (10% SSC + 30% HSSC) + 60% NDU entry test (CBT). A valid HEC USAT with 50% is also accepted. The test pass mark is 50%. If you are waiting for your result, NDU uses your HSSC Part-I marks. There is no interview for BS admission.
Calculate your NDU merit
Free · instant · no loginIf you are waiting for your HSSC result, enter your Part-I marks against 550. Enter your NDU test (or USAT) score against its total. You need at least 50% in the test.
What NDU entry test score do you need?
Set your target merit and we work backwards from your Matric and FSc marks to the NDU entry test score you need. The grid shows your merit at every score from 50% to 100% of the paper.
NDU Merit Formula 2026: 10% SSC + 30% HSSC + 60% Test
| Programme | Academic background | Test | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS (4 years) | SSC 10% + HSSC 30% | NDU entry test (CBT) 60% or HEC USAT | 50% |
| BS Bridging (after BA/BSc) | SSC 10% + HSSC 10% + BA/BSc 20% | NDU entry test (CBT) 60% | 50% |
These weights come from NDU’s Merit Determination Criteria for Fall 2026, which are the same as for Spring 2026. The eligibility criteria list the interview as “not applicable” for BS, so a calculator that adds interview marks does not follow NDU’s rules.
How to Calculate Your NDU Merit
| Component | Marks | Percentage | Weight | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDU entry test | 68 / 100 | 68.00% | 60% | 40.80 |
| HSSC Part-I | 440 / 550 | 80.00% | 30% | 24.00 |
| SSC | 980 / 1100 | 89.09% | 10% | 8.91 |
| Merit | — | — | — | 73.71 |
NDU BS Programmes
| BS programme | Department |
|---|---|
| BS Government & Public Policy (GPP) | Government & Public Policy |
| BS Peace & Conflict Studies (PCS) | Peace & Conflict Studies |
| BS Strategic Studies (SS) | Strategic Studies |
| BS International Relations (IR) | International Relations |
| BS Leadership & Management Studies (LMS) | Leadership & Management Studies |
| BS Economics (ECO) | Economics |
All six are 4-year morning programmes at NDU’s Faculty of Contemporary Studies, and they can take up to 6 years to complete. A BS (Bridging) option of 2.5 years is offered for BA/BSc graduates with at least a second division. NDU has no hostel, but it runs its own transport.
NDU Eligibility and Result-Awaited Rules
- No 3rd division (below 45%) in SSC or HSSC. The online system does not accept less than 45%.
- Result awaited: merit is calculated on HSSC Part-I, and you must submit Part-II by the deadline (1 December 2026 for Fall 2026).
- Combined (1st + 2nd year) exam candidates waiting for their result cannot apply, because NDU needs a 1st-year result.
- O/A-Level: NDU uses IBCC numerical marks. If IBCC is delayed, merit is set provisionally on the minimum mark for each grade, and this is not updated later.
| A-Level grade | Marks NDU uses without IBCC |
|---|---|
| A | 80.75 |
| B | 71.25 |
| C | 61.75 |
| D | 52.25 |
| E | 42.75 |
NDU Admission Schedule (Fall 2026)
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | 7 June 2026 |
| Online application | 8 June – 6 July 2026 (extended) |
| BS entry test (CBT, 90 minutes) | 6 – 21 July 2026 (working days) |
| BS merit list | 22 July 2026 |
| Fee deadline | 5 August 2026 |
| Classes begin | 21 September 2026 |
NDU also holds a Spring intake. The Fall cycle normally opens in June, so check ndu.edu.pk for the 2027 dates.
Common NDU Merit Mistakes
- Adding interview marks. NDU’s BS merit has no interview component.
- Using full HSSC marks while your result is awaited. NDU uses Part-I.
- Scoring below 50% in the test. You are not considered, however high your academics.
- Applying with a 3rd division anywhere. Even a 3rd division in SSC alone makes you ineligible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NDU merit formula for BS?
10% SSC + 30% HSSC + 60% NDU entry test (CBT), according to NDU’s Merit Determination Criteria for Fall 2026.
What is the passing marks of the NDU entry test?
50%. A valid HEC USAT with at least 50% is also accepted.
Is there an interview for NDU BS admission?
No. NDU’s eligibility criteria list the interview as not applicable for BS. Interviews are only for MS/MPhil and PhD.
Can I apply to NDU with HSSC Part-I marks?
Yes. Result-awaited candidates are given merit on Part-I. Candidates who sat a combined 1st and 2nd year exam cannot apply until their result is out.
Can I apply to NDU with a 3rd division in Matric?
No. NDU does not accept a 3rd division (below 45%) in SSC or HSSC.
Which BS programmes does NDU offer?
Government & Public Policy, Peace & Conflict Studies, Strategic Studies, International Relations, Leadership & Management Studies, and Economics.
Does NDU provide hostel accommodation?
No. NDU runs its own transport but has no hostel. Students use private hostels nearby.
Is this the official NDU merit?
No. This is an independent calculator built from NDU’s own Merit Determination Criteria and eligibility documents. NDU publishes the official merit lists.
Related calculators and guides
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Official NDU Admission Links
These are National Defence University’s own admission pages. They open in a new tab.
NDU admissions
- Merit Determination Criteria Fall 2026BS 10-30-60 and postgraduate weightage.www.ndu.edu.pk/fcs/admissions/Fall-2026/Merit-Determination-Criteria-Fall-2026.pdf
- Eligibility Criteria Fall 2026Education, USAT and result-awaited rules.www.ndu.edu.pk/fcs/admissions/Fall-2026/Eligibility-Criteria-Fall%202026.pdf
- Admission FAQsPart-I, A-Level grades, 3rd division and hostels.www.ndu.edu.pk/fcs/admissions/information/f25/Admission-FAQs.pdf
- NDU AdmissionsSchedules, sample papers and merit lists.www.ndu.edu.pk/admissions.php