The University of the Punjab, founded in 1882 in Lahore, is Pakistan's oldest and largest public university, with dozens of departments, institutes and constituent colleges. For applicants, its size is both the attraction and the challenge: the same university name covers everything from PUCIT's competitive computing degrees to arts, law, sciences and social sciences programmes with very different merit positions. This profile helps you navigate that range.
Programmes
Undergraduate programmes span the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (PUCIT: BS Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science and related), Engineering and Technology, Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Statistics), Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Business and Economics (including the Institute of Business Administration), Pharmacy, and more. PUCIT deserves separate attention: its computing degrees are widely regarded as among the best-value computing options in Punjab, with strong graduate outcomes relative to a public-university fee.
Admission and merit
Most programmes admit on academic merit (FSc / equivalent marks, with programme-specific subject requirements), while selected programmes add an entry test or aptitude component. Merit lists are published programme-wise over multiple rounds, and morning versus evening programme merit positions can differ substantially — evening programmes sometimes close lower, offering a route into the same degree for borderline applicants. Quotas and reserved seats (including for specific categories defined in the prospectus) also affect closing merits, so read the prospectus categories, not just the headline merit list.
Campus and costs
The main Quaid-e-Azam (new) campus in Lahore is a large, green campus with hostels, libraries, departments and student facilities; the Allama Iqbal (old) campus houses other faculties. As a public university, Punjab University's fee is low compared with private alternatives, though it varies by programme and by morning/evening status — the current fee schedule was not verified at the time of writing and is not quoted here. Check the official schedule, including hostel charges, before budgeting.
Closing merit guidance
Closing merits vary enormously by programme: PUCIT computing, Law and top business programmes close highest; many arts, humanities and general science programmes close much lower. Use the previous year's programme-wise lists (morning and evening separately) as your range, and apply to multiple programmes within the university rather than betting everything on one competitive programme.
FAQs
What is PUCIT? Punjab University College of Information Technology — the university's computing college, offering BS Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology and related degrees.
Does Punjab University have an entry test for all programmes? No — most programmes admit on academic merit; selected programmes add a test or aptitude component. Check your programme's criteria.
Are morning and evening merits different? Yes — evening programme merit positions can differ substantially from morning positions for the same degree.
Are 2027 dates and fees published? Not verified at the time of writing — check pu.edu.pk for the official announcement.
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Sources and verification: University of the Punjab programme and faculty information per the university's published listings, re-checked October 2026. Programme-wise eligibility, 2027 dates and current fees were not verified at the time of writing and are marked to be confirmed on pu.edu.pk — no figures fabricated.