Undergraduate Admissions - School of Business Studies, School of Economics and Social Sciences, and School of Mathematics and Computer Science
What this domain tests
The undergraduate route covers three IBA Karachi schools: Business Studies, Economics and Social Sciences, and Mathematics and Computer Science. The shared admission test is a general aptitude test that samples English, quantitative mathematics, analytical reasoning and general knowledge. School choice changes the emphasis: Business Studies needs fast numerical accuracy and business-context reading; Economics and Social Sciences needs argument analysis and data interpretation; Mathematics and Computer Science needs algebra, functions, sequences, geometry and logical structure. Program pages also set subject prerequisites, so confirm whether your intended school requires a specific mathematics or economics background.
Core rules and concepts
- English: sentence correction, vocabulary in context, main idea, inference. The correct option must be supported by the passage.
- Quantitative: percentages, ratios, averages, algebra, word problems and data tables. Assume no calculator unless the current instruction says otherwise.
- Analytical reasoning: conditional rules, ordering, grouping, assumptions and conclusions.
- General knowledge: Pakistan affairs, world affairs, basic economics and science; prefer stable facts over breaking news.
Worked example
A jacket costs Rs. 2,400. A 15% discount is applied, then 5% sales tax is charged on the discounted price. What is the final price? Discounted price = 2,400 × 0.85 = 2,040. Tax = 2,040 × 0.05 = 102. Final price = 2,040 + 102 = 2,142. The trap is to combine 15% and 5% as a 20% reduction; the tax is applied after the discount, so the percentages are sequential, not additive.
Traps that cost marks
- Adding successive percentages instead of multiplying by each factor.
- Picking a reading answer that is factually true but not stated or implied in the passage.
- Treating “some” as “all” in logic questions.
- Ignoring school-specific prerequisites until after the test.