NTS Test Prep in Pakistan: A Practical Three-Week Plan
May 9, 2026 · 5 min · NTS test prep · Pakistan · GAT exam
The NTS (National Testing Service) runs many of Pakistan's standardised tests, including GAT, NAT, and various job tests. The format and difficulty vary, but the prep approach is similar.
Test format (most NTS tests)
- Multiple choice questions
- Sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical Reasoning
- Some include subject-specific sections (Engineering, Medical, Computer Science)
- Negative marking on most NTS tests
Three-week plan
Week 1: foundation
- Quantitative: arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry. NCERT 6-10 is enough.
- Verbal: vocabulary building. 200 words from common GRE / GAT lists.
- Analytical: logical reasoning puzzles, syllogisms.
Week 2: practice
- Daily 30-question quizzes
- Time yourself
- Review every wrong answer
Week 3: mock tests
- Full-length mock tests under timed conditions
- Three mocks minimum
- Drill the topics where you lost the most marks
Timing strategy
NTS tests are time-pressured. Most candidates run out of time. Practice in this order:
- Start with the section you're strongest in (confidence boost)
- Move to the next strongest
- Save the hardest for last
If a question takes more than 90 seconds, skip and come back.
Negative marking strategy
Most NTS tests have negative marking. The rule of thumb:
- If you can eliminate 2 of 4 options, guess
- If you can eliminate 1 of 4 options, guess
- If you can eliminate none, skip
Common pitfalls
- Memorising vocabulary without context (use Vocabulary Builder)
- Skipping practice tests until the last week
- Not reviewing wrong answers
- Cramming in the final week instead of mock testing
What scores well
- Strong vocabulary (memorise 300 high-frequency words)
- Quick mental math
- Familiarity with logical reasoning patterns
On exam day
- Sleep 8 hours
- Eat breakfast
- Bring multiple pens, calculator (if allowed), CNIC
- Reach the centre 30 minutes early