Questions by Category

Summer Coaching Session
How can a student avail scholarship if he/ she does not get shortlisted for the Summer Coaching Session?

The National Outreach Programme (NOP) provides talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with an opportunity to pursue higher education at LUMS. Students who are not shortlisted for, or are unable to successfully complete, the Summer Coaching Session (SCS) may still apply to LUMS through the regular undergraduate admissions process.

To be considered for financial assistance, applicants must complete both the online Undergraduate Admission Application and the Financial Aid Application. If they meet the admission testing requirements and merit criteria and are offered admission to LUMS, their financial aid application will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee. Based on the assessment of their financial need, eligible students may be awarded the NOP Scholarship, which can provide support beyond full tuition coverage.
 

Are the selected students from Summer Coaching Session guaranteed admission in LUMS Undergraduate Programmes?

Participation in the National Outreach Programme (NOP) does not guarantee admission to LUMS. All applicants must meet the university’s academic and admission requirements, including satisfactory performance in their Intermediate or A-Level examinations and the LUMS admission tests. Admission is granted strictly on merit through a transparent and competitive selection process.

The primary objective of NOP is to guide and mentor talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them navigate the application process, prepare for admission requirements and work towards meeting LUMS’ academic standards.

In which city is this Summer Coaching Session usually organized?

We have been conducting this session for many years at the LUMS Campus which is located in Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Cantt, Lahore.
 

How can students balance their regular Intermediate classes with participation in the Summer Coaching Session?

The Summer Coaching Session (SCS) is held annually in July and August, during the summer break following students’ first-year Intermediate examinations.

What if I am shortlisted but cannot attend the Summer Coaching Session?

Students who do not attend the Summer Coaching Session (SCS) will not be considered for admission through the National Outreach Programme (NOP) stream. However, they may still apply to LUMS through the regular undergraduate admissions process and request financial aid, subject to meeting the university’s admission and eligibility requirements.

What criteria are used to shortlist students after the Summer Coaching Session?

Participants are shortlisted based on their overall performance during the Summer Coaching Session (SCS). The evaluation considers several factors, including class participation, performance in tests and quizzes, classroom conduct, punctuality and discipline. Attendance at all classes is mandatory for students participating in the Summer Coaching Session.
 

What is the Summer Coaching Session?

The Summer Coaching Session (SCS) is a two-week programme conducted at LUMS for shortlisted candidates. It introduces students to the LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT), undergraduate admissions requirements and the financial aid application process. Through classroom instruction, academic activities and interactions with the university community, participants gain a better understanding of what to expect when applying to and studying at LUMS.

What should I pack for the SCS?

Students are advised to pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for Lahore’s summer, personal hygiene essentials, their Juvenile Card and a reusable water bottle.

Will I be provided with bedding and toiletries at the accommodation?

Bedding will be provided during the Summer Coaching Session. However, students are required to bring their own towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other personal hygiene essentials.

How much pocket money should I carry?

Meals and accommodation are provided during the Summer Coaching Session (SCS). However, students are advised to bring approximately PKR 4,000–5,000 for personal expenses, including laundry services, which must be paid for separately. Laundry charges are revised annually, and the applicable rates will be communicated in the official letters uploaded to shortlisted candidates’ application portals.

What does the daily schedule look like?

The Summer Coaching Session follows a structured and intensive daily schedule, with activities running from early morning until evening. Students participate in academic classes, mentoring sessions, personal development activities and assessments designed to support their academic and personal growth.

Are meals provided during the Summer Coaching Session, and are vegetarian options available?

Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily during the Summer Coaching Session, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available to students.

Can I leave the premises during the session?

Students staying in LUMS accommodation during the Summer Coaching Session are required to remain on campus and are not permitted to leave the university premises for safety and security reasons.

What if I fall sick during the coaching session?

Basic medical assistance is available on campus during the Summer Coaching Session. If further medical attention is required, the NOP team will coordinate with the relevant healthcare facilities and inform the student's parents or guardians.

How do I prepare mentally for Summer Coaching Session?

Approach the Summer Coaching Session with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be prepared for a rigorous academic schedule, new experiences and interactions with students from diverse backgrounds. Manage your time well, embrace challenges and seek guidance from your mentors and the NOP team whenever needed.

Can I arrive a day before the coaching session starts?

Students are required to arrive on the date specified in their official schedule. Any requests for early arrival or accommodation must receive prior approval from the NOP Centre and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Are any of my family members allowed to come with me?

A family member may accompany you to LUMS on your arrival date or pick you up at the end of the Summer Coaching Session. However, family members are not permitted to stay on campus during the session.

Is the accommodation provided by LUMS located on or off campus?

Accommodation is provided in the university hostels to students who selected the ‘Accommodation Required’ option in their application. Male and female students are housed separately in designated hostels within the LUMS campus.

Is there any support on travel arrangements?

Students and their families are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and covering all associated expenses. LUMS does not provide transportation or reimburse travel costs.

Online Summer Coaching Application
How do we find the application for the NOP?

The NOP Online Application Portal can be accessed through the ‘How to Apply’ section of our website or directly at https://nopscs.lums.edu.pk.

How do I create my NOP Online Application Account?

Visit the NOP Online Application Portal and click on ‘Download Instructions’. Read the guidelines carefully before completing your application. Ensure that all required information is provided, as fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

Do I have to pay to apply to the NOP and do I need to take any test?

There is no application fee or entrance test required to apply for the National Outreach Programme (NOP) Summer Coaching Session. Students can create an account and submit their applications free of charge. Applications are assessed against the programme’s eligibility criteria, which require candidates to have obtained at least 80% marks in Matriculation or O-Levels and demonstrate financial need.

I have created my Account but have not received my Username and Password, what should I do?

Once you have submitted your account registration details, you will receive an account activation email containing a verification link. Click on the link to activate your account, then log in using your registered email address and password to begin completing your online application. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder.

What are the photograph requirements for the application?

Applicants must upload a recent, passport-sized photograph (or 2 × 2 inches) with a plain white or off-white background. The image must be clear, in JPG or JPEG format, and less than 2 MB in size. Please refer to the photograph upload guidelines provided within the online application for further instructions.

Who is considered a guardian in the application?

A guardian is a family member who provides financial support for your education and living expenses. This may be your father, mother, sibling, uncle, cousin or another family member. If either of your parents is your guardian, you must enter their details again in the designated Guardian Information section of the application.

If I do not have a landline number, how should I proceed?

If you do not have a landline number, you may provide an alternative, active mobile number where you can be contacted.

If I receive a scholarship from my school or college, how should I enter my annual fee in the application?

Enter your total annual tuition fee and the amount of any scholarship or fee concession you receive. Subtract the scholarship amount from the annual fee to calculate your parents’ contribution towards your education. Enter the remaining amount in the designated field.

How many references should I provide and who can be my reference?

You may provide up to two references in your application. These should be teachers, principals or other educational professionals who know you personally and can provide credible information about your academic background and abilities. Please ensure that their contact details are accurate and up to date.

When providing information about my siblings, do I need to create a separate record for myself as well?

You do not need to include yourself in the Siblings Information section, as your personal details have already been provided in the preceding sections of the application. Only enter information about your siblings.

If my sibling is employed but does not contribute to the household income, how should I fill out the financial information section?

If your sibling earns an income but does not contribute to household expenses, their earnings will not be included in your family's total annual income.

If an asset owned by my family is shared with extended family members, such as an uncle or aunt, how should I report it in the application?

Select the ‘Shared’ option under Asset Ownership in the application form.

Is there any way of viewing my application before submission?

Yes, you can download a PDF copy of your application through the ‘Print Application PDF’ tab. Review the document carefully to identify any errors or missing information before submitting your application.

To which address should I courier my documents?

Documents must be uploaded directly to the NOP Online Application Portal. Hard copies sent by post or courier, or documents submitted via email, will not be accepted. Ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, legible and attested where required.

When will I be informed about my selection/non-selection?

Due to the high volume of applications, the review and document verification process typically takes 2 to 2.5 months. During this period, applicants may be contacted by the relevant LUMS offices for additional documents or clarification.

Applicants will be notified of their selection status via email, generally by May/June, ahead of the Summer Coaching Session in July/August. They are advised to regularly check their registered email accounts, including spam/junk folders, and monitor their application status through the NOP Online Application Portal.

How should I fill out the Academic Information section if I am currently in my first year of Intermediate and have not yet taken my exams?

In the Academic Information section, add a new record and select ‘Higher Secondary’ from the drop-down menu. If you are currently in your first year of Intermediate or A-Levels, select ‘No’ or ‘Result Awaiting’, as applicable, when asked about your first-year examinations.

How can I find out which documents are required for my NOP application?

Once you submit your application, a Document Checklist tab will appear, listing the required documents based on the information provided. Upload clear, scanned copies of all applicable documents, then save and submit the checklist to complete your application. Applications with incomplete document submissions will not be processed.

I have completed my application form, but an ‘Internal Server Error’ appears when I try to save my information. What should I do?

Ensure that your documents are uploaded in PDF, JPG or JPEG format and do not exceed 2 MB per file. Multiple-page documents should be combined into a single PDF, while single-page documents may be uploaded as JPG or JPEG files.

If the error persists, try clearing your browser cache, switching browsers or devices, or renaming the file without using special characters.

What should I enter in the application if I do not have a passport and my parents do not have email addresses?

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory, while those without an asterisk are optional. If you or your parents do not have a passport, or your parents do not have email addresses, you may leave the relevant fields blank or enter ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable), where permitted.

What are the selection criteria for the NOP Summer Coaching Session (SCS)?

Selection for the NOP Summer Coaching Session (SCS) is based on an assessment of the information provided in your application and the supporting documents submitted, taking into account both academic eligibility and financial need.

What is an income affidavit, and what information should it include?

An income affidavit is a document used to declare income when formal proof, such as a salary slip, is unavailable. There is no prescribed format, but it must be prepared on PKR 50 stamp paper and include the earning member’s name, CNIC number, profession and monthly income. Details of multiple earning members may be included in a single affidavit.

The affidavit can be prepared through a stamp paper vendor or near a local court and must be attested by a notary public or oath commissioner. Once attested, scan the document clearly and upload it to the relevant section of your Document Checklist.

What should I do if I miss the deadline for submitting my application or supporting documents?

The deadlines for NOP application and document submission cannot be extended. However, students who miss these deadlines may still apply for financial aid through the regular LUMS undergraduate admissions process during or after their second year of Intermediate.

Undergraduate admissions typically open in November each year. For further information, please visit www.lums.edu.pk.

What is an attested copy of my Secondary Education documents, and where can I get it attested?

You must upload an attested copy of your Matriculation marksheet or O-Level results. Attestation can be obtained from a government officer or an authorised school or college official, who must verify the photocopy with their official stamp and signature. Original documents are not required.

How can I make changes to my application after submitting it?

Once submitted, your application cannot be edited directly. To request a correction, contact the Ask NOP Centre or email helpdesknop@lums.edu.pk with your application Tracking ID and the following details:

  • Email Subject: Data Change Request
  • Tracking ID: Your application Tracking ID
  • Section Name: e.g., Financial Information
  • Field Name: e.g., Guardian’s Contribution to Family Income
  • Old Data Value: Information currently entered
  • New Data Value: Corrected information

The NOP team will review your request and guide you accordingly.

My application appears to be complete, but the status still shows 90% instead of 100%. Why is that?

A 90% completion status indicates that all application sections have been filled out, but the application has not yet been submitted. To complete the process, review your information, read and accept the Undertakings, and click ‘Submit Application’. Once submitted, you must upload the required supporting documents through the Document Checklist.

National Outreach Programme
What subjects can I study through NOP?

NOP is a scholarship programme offered by LUMS at the undergraduate (Bachelor's) level. As part of the selection process, shortlisted applicants are invited to attend the NOP Summer Coaching Session, which provides academic preparation in subjects such as English and Mathematics.

When should I apply for NOP?

Students are encouraged to apply for the NOP Summer Coaching Session during their first year of FA/FSc or Intermediate studies. The selection process takes more than a year, allowing students who are successfully selected to begin their undergraduate studies at LUMS after completing their Intermediate education. For example, students who apply for the NOP Summer Coaching Session in 2027 will be eligible to join the undergraduate programme at LUMS in September 2028, subject to successful completion of the selection and admissions process.

Can students in their second year of Intermediate apply for NOP through an alternative route?

Students in their second year of Intermediate can apply directly to LUMS through the regular undergraduate admissions process. They must complete the online Undergraduate Admission Application, including the Financial Aid section. If admitted to LUMS, their financial circumstances will be assessed by the Financial Aid Committee. Students who qualify for financial assistance exceeding 100% of tuition fees may be awarded the NOP scholarship, which covers tuition fees and may include hostel accommodation, a book allowance and a living allowance.

Who is eligible to apply for the NOP scholarship?

NOP is a need-based scholarship programme. Students who demonstrate genuine financial need and have secured at least 80% marks in Matriculation or equivalent grades in O Levels are eligible to apply.

Are the admission criteria for NOP candidates different from those for regular applicants?

No. NOP candidates must meet the same academic admission criteria as students applying through the regular undergraduate admissions process. LUMS maintains the same standards of academic merit for all applicants.

How many students are admitted to LUMS through NOP each year?

NOP does not have a fixed annual intake or any provincial or city-based quotas. Students from across Pakistan are considered for the scholarship based on their eligibility, financial need and academic merit. All candidates who meet the NOP eligibility requirements and qualify for admission to LUMS are considered for the NOP scholarship, regardless of their geographical background.

Admissions Test
Is an admission test required to apply for LUMS undergraduate programmes?

Admission test requirements for LUMS undergraduate admissions are updated annually. Applicants are advised to visit admissions.lums.edu.pk to review the latest admission requirements and determine which test(s) they need to take.

What are the admission tests required for LUMS undergraduate admissions?

Applicants may be required to take an admission test depending on the requirements of their chosen undergraduate programme.

LCAT (LUMS Common Admission Test): An admission test conducted by LUMS for undergraduate applicants. For more information, visit admissions.lums.edu.pk.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): A standardised test administered by the College Board, commonly taken by students seeking undergraduate admission. For more information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

Applicants should review the latest admission requirements on the LUMS admissions website to determine which tests are accepted for their chosen programme.

What subjects are tested in the LCAT?

The LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT) assesses applicants' proficiency in English and Mathematics.

What is the duration of the LUMS undergraduate admission tests?

The duration of the admission tests is as follows:

LCAT (LUMS Common Admission Test): The test lasts approximately 3 hours and consists of four sections: two Verbal and two Mathematics sections, each lasting 40 minutes. For more information, visit LUMS Admissions.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The digital SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, with an additional 10-minute break. It consists of two sections: Reading and Writing (64 minutes) and Mathematics (70 minutes). For more information, visit College Board.

Are there any breaks during the admission test?

Yes, breaks are generally provided between different sections of the admission test. The timing and duration of breaks may vary depending on the test.

What stationery and documents are required on the LCAT test day?

Applicants must bring a printed, signed copy of their Test Registration Slip and a valid photo-bearing CNIC, government-issued Juvenile Card or passport. These documents are mandatory for entry to the test centre. Applicants should also check their test-day instructions for any stationery requirements. For more information, visit LUMS Admissions.

LUMS Online Admission Application
What is the admission process after the NOP Summer Coaching Session?

Following the Summer Coaching Session (SCS), students are shortlisted based on their performance, completion of the online coaching module and submission of the Financial Need Assessment Form. Shortlisted candidates must then complete the LUMS Undergraduate Admission Application, including the Financial Aid section, and appear in the required admission tests.

The admission test registration fee and undergraduate application processing fee are waived for successful SCS candidates.

Candidates who are offered admission to LUMS are subsequently interviewed by the NOP Committee for a personality assessment and financial aid review. Following this evaluation, eligible candidates are awarded the NOP scholarship.

How can I complete the online undergraduate admission application?

For detailed instructions on completing the LUMS Undergraduate Admission Application, please visit LUMS Admission Support.

Do I need to apply for Financial Aid in my online undergraduate admission application?

Yes. Applicants seeking the NOP scholarship must indicate that they require financial assistance and complete the Financial Aid section of their online undergraduate admission application. Financial aid applications are reviewed for candidates who are offered admission to LUMS.

For further assistance regarding financial aid, please contact helpdeskofa@lums.edu.pk.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the Online Admission Application?

For any queries related to the LUMS Online Admission Application, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@lums.edu.pk.