Karachi University entry test, 6,669 candidates compete for 1,402 seats

KARACHI: More than 6,600 candidates appeared in the University of Karachi’s entry test for its 2027 morning admissions programme, competing for 1,402 seats across 20 academic disciplines, including Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D).

The university reported a strong turnout on Sunday, with 6,669 candidates taking the examination at 20 centres across various departments, recording an attendance rate of 96.1 per cent.

According to the University of Karachi, a total of 7,265 candidates had submitted admission forms for the available seats. However, 270 candidates remained absent, while 23 applications were cancelled because the applicants had either failed their intermediate examinations or submitted incomplete admission forms.

The entry test began at 11am and covered admissions to 20 disciplines under the university’s 2027 programme, including Pharm-D courses offered in both morning and evening sessions.

The figures highlight the competition facing students seeking admission to one of Pakistan’s major public-sector universities, where available seats remain limited compared with the number of applicants.

Pharm-D applicants to be considered for bachelor’s programmes

KU Director of Admissions Prof Dr Saima Akhtar said 303 candidates had applied for both Pharm-D and bachelor’s degree programmes.

These candidates were issued admit cards for the Pharm-D entry test only. However, their results would also be considered for admission to the bachelor’s programmes for which they had applied, she explained.

The arrangement allows eligible applicants to be considered for multiple academic options without appearing separately for another test, according to the university’s admission procedures.

Akhtar said the results would be uploaded to the university’s official website and the candidates’ online portals, enabling applicants to check their performance electronically.

The university did not announce a specific date for the results in the information released on Monday.

University reports smooth examination process

Akhtar also highlighted the role of the Karachi University Assessment and Testing Service (KUATS), which has been conducting entry tests for the past eight years.

She said the service had operated without any reported paper leak or related untoward incident during that period. She added that examination procedures and arrangements were being continuously improved to maintain the integrity of the admission process.

The university administration said arrangements had been made to facilitate candidates and ensure the examination proceeded smoothly across all centres.

KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Waseem Qazi, accompanied by Registrar Prof Dr Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, visited several departments during the examination and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

Deans of the university’s faculties also inspected examination centres alongside their teams to review facilities and administrative preparations.

Transport, security and medical facilities arranged

To help candidates reach their examination halls, the university provided buses at all entrance gates for transportation to and from the examination centres.

Security personnel were deployed at the entry points and around faculty buildings to maintain order and manage the movement of candidates and visitors.

Medical officers, healthcare staff and an ambulance were also made available to respond to emergencies during the test.

The arrangements were intended to provide a safe and accessible examination environment for thousands of students attending the test across the campus.

The media briefing was attended by KUATS member Prof Dr Anila Amber Malik, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof Dr Samina Saeed, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Administrative Sciences Prof Dr Zaima Israr Mohiuddin and other university officials.

With the entry test completed, candidates are now awaiting their results as the university moves towards the next stage of its 2027 admissions process. Applicants will be able to access their scores through the university’s website and online portals once the results are announced.