The complete LUMS LCAT guide.

30-second answer

What you need to know in one glance.

Total questions

100 MCQs

Duration

150 minutes

Sections

English · Math · Science · Logical Reasoning

Negative marking

None

Format

Computer-based, single sitting

Score policy

Single attempt, apply once per cycle

Fee

PKR 5,000

Test pattern

LCAT section breakdown.

LCAT is broad by design, it tests reading, math reasoning, foundational science, and pure logic in one paper. It is not a syllabus exam. Strong fundamentals plus standardised-test technique beat memorisation here.

Eligibility

Who sits this test.

LCAT is open to anyone applying to a LUMS undergraduate programme who isn't applying via SAT/ACT. It is taken once per admission cycle, there is no series system.

• 1

  FSc / HSSC / A-Levels (any combination)Primary

  All academic backgrounds qualify. The test is content-neutral within the four sections, it does not test advanced subject knowledge.

• 2

  Must apply through LUMS undergraduate portal

  LCAT is one option for admission. Applicants applying via SAT or ACT scores skip the LCAT. Most domestic applicants take the LCAT route.

• 3

  Single attempt per cycle

  Unlike the NET, LCAT is taken once per admission cycle. Schedule, prep, and sit it once, there is no second chance in the same year.

Section deep-dives

What each section of LCAT actually tests.

English, 30 MCQs

Reading comprehension is the dominant question type, short and medium passages with grammar, vocabulary, and inference questions. The reading is dense; the questions reward careful comprehension and pattern recognition over rote vocabulary.

Subtopic spread

• Transitions and Rhetorical Synthesis
• Vocabulary
• Introduction to the LCAT
• Reading Comprehension
• Boundaries
• Command of Evidence and Purpose Questions

+ 4 more across the remaining 10 subtopics in this section.

Instructor

Wajeeha Batool

BS Chemistry · LUMS

LCAT English Instructor · Taught LCAT English at NOP Summer Coaching for 52 students preparing for LCAT mocks.

Mathematics, 30 MCQs

SAT-flavoured: applied algebra, geometry, basic probability, sequences. Calculations are designed to be doable in your head with elimination and estimation. Reasoning matters more than recall.

Subtopic spread

• Consecutive Numbers
• Word Problems
• Time, Speed & Distance
• Logarithms
• Matrix Basics/Operations
• Matrix Applications

+ 23 more across the remaining 29 subtopics in this section.

Instructor

Abdul Basit

BS Mathematics · LUMS

LCAT Math Instructor · Mathematics graduate from LUMS, 100+ students tutored privately.

Science, 20 MCQs

General science across physics, chemistry, and biology at FSc / O-Level level. Tests scientific reasoning and broad familiarity rather than deep subject expertise.

Topic spread

• Foundational physics concepts
• Foundational chemistry concepts
• Foundational biology concepts
• Scientific reasoning & inference

Logical Reasoning, 20 MCQs

Pure puzzle territory, pattern recognition, sequence completion, syllogisms, and ordering problems. No subject content; this section rewards practice with standardised reasoning question types.

Topic spread

• Pattern recognition
• Sequence completion
• Syllogisms & deductive reasoning
• Seating / ordering puzzles

Live calendar

LUMS dates that matter.

Pulled live from our deadlines database. Updates whenever the official source changes.

1. ResultsApproximate

   LUMS Results Announced

   Admission decisions communicated to applicants.

   Apr 15, 2026

2. Classes beginApproximate

   LUMS Classes Begin

   Fall 2026 semester begins for incoming freshmen.

   Aug 25, 2026

Test day rules

What to expect on the day.

• Negative marking

  None. Attempt every question, guessing is strictly better than blank.

• Format

  Computer-based at a designated centre. On-screen interface, no scratch paper unless explicitly provided.

• Single attempt

  One LCAT per admission cycle. Plan your prep around a single shot.

• Section navigation

  You can typically move between questions within a section, but not always between sections. Confirm with LUMS on test day.

• Pattern can shift

  LUMS reserves the right to change question counts or section weighting between cycles. Course coverage is built for breadth so you stay prepared either way.

Want structured prep?

Take the free 16-question diagnostic.

5 minutes. No signup required. Tells you exactly which section is your weakest gap and what to study next.

Free resources

Everything you need, free.

• English, full course on Qallam

  Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion. 10 subtopics.

• Mathematics, full course on Qallam

  29 subtopics, algebra, geometry, sequences, probability, calculus.

• Free LCAT diagnostic

  Reveals your weakest section. No signup required.

• Live LUMS deadlines calendar

  Application window + LCAT date for the current cycle.

Free download

LUMS LCAT 2026: Complete Pattern + Dates (PDF)

Print-friendly reference: every section, time split, LCAT date, and test-day rule on one PDF.

We'll send the PDF and occasional NET / LCAT prep tips. Unsubscribe any time.

Frequently asked

Questions students keep asking.

• How many questions are on the LUMS LCAT?
• Is there negative marking on the LCAT?
• How many times can I sit the LCAT?
• What is the difference between LCAT and SAT for LUMS admission?
• What is the registration fee for the LCAT?
• Is the LCAT a syllabus exam?
• Are calculators allowed on the LCAT?
• What does the Logical Reasoning section test?
• When is the LCAT held?
• What is a good LCAT score for LUMS admission?
• Are LCAT past papers available?
• Can A-Levels students sit the LCAT?