NED's merit score is 40% of your HSC Part I percentage (or O level or equivalent marks) plus 60% of your NED entry test marks. The test is out of 100, in four sections of 25 marks. You need at least 50 in the test to qualify, and Matric marks are not part of the formula.
This is the rule in NED's Admissions 2026 FAQ. Enter your marks above and add a target to see the test score you need.
The NED formula
NED writes it as MS = 40% (HSC Part I / O level marks / equivalent) + 60% (NED entry test marks).
| Part | Weight | Out of | One mark is worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSC Part I (or O level, equivalent) | 40% | as on your mark sheet (550 shown) | 0.0727 points per mark out of 550 |
| NED entry test | 60% | 100 | 0.6 points |
For pre-engineering candidates the four test sections are English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, 25 marks each. NED holds the test twice. You can sit both, and the higher score is used.
Worked example
A student has 450 out of 550 in HSC Part I and 70 out of 100 in the NED test.
- HSC Part I: 450 ÷ 550 × 40 = 32.7273
- Test: 70 ÷ 100 × 60 = 42.0000
- Merit score: 74.7273%
At the minimum qualifying test score of 50, the same student would have 32.7273 + 30.0000 = 62.7273%. Each extra test mark adds 0.6, so the test decides most of the ranking.
Test marks needed for a target merit score
HSC Part I 450 out of 550 (32.7273 points before the test).
| Target aggregate | NED entry test marks needed |
|---|---|
| 65% | 54 / 100 |
| 70% | 63 / 100 |
| 75% | 71 / 100 |
| 80% | 79 / 100 |
| 85% | 88 / 100 |
Any figure below 50 would not count, because 50 is the qualifying mark for the test.
Things to check before you rely on the figure
- Your HSC Part I total. Board totals differ. The calculator starts at 550; change the "Out of" box to match your mark sheet.
- Eligibility. Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Architecture and BS Computer Science need at least 60% in HSC or equivalent.
- Already passed HSC or A level? NED's FAQ says these candidates "will be dealt as per policy" and does not give the formula. The calculator uses Part I or O level marks as the FAQ states.
- No Matric weight. Unlike most Punjab and federal formulas, NED ignores Matric marks.
For Punjab engineering universities that use ECAT instead, see the ECAT aggregate calculator. Once at NED, the NED GPA calculator follows its grading.
NED merit questions
How is the NED aggregate calculated?
Merit score = HSC Part I percentage × 0.4 + NED test marks × 0.6. With 450 out of 550 in Part I and 70 in the test, that is 32.7273 + 42 = 74.7273%. Matric marks are not used.
What are the passing marks of the NED entry test?
50 out of 100. NED's Admissions 2026 FAQ says 50% marks in the entry test are required to qualify. Passing only makes you eligible; seats go by merit score.
Is the NED entry test out of 100?
Yes. It is computer based with four sections of 25 marks each. For pre-engineering candidates the sections are English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The test is held twice and the higher result counts.
Does NED use Matric marks in merit?
No. NED's formula uses only HSC Part I (or O level or equivalent) at 40% and the entry test at 60%. Matric does not enter the merit score at all.
Last reviewed 29 September 2026. Results are estimates; official notices always take precedence.