Top Mistakes Students Make During FA Admission & How to Avoid Them

FA (Faculty of Arts) is one of the most commonly pursued intermediate programs in Pakistan. It’s a go-to choice for students who want to enter fields like humanities, social sciences, journalism, or civil services. While the FA admission process might seem simple, many students unintentionally make mistakes that can affect their academic journey.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the most common mistakes students make during FA admission, why they matter, and most importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re a fresh matriculate or a parent trying to guide your child, this article will help you make smart, stress-free decisions.

Understanding FA and Its Scope

FA is a two-year intermediate program that focuses on arts and humanities. Students can choose from subjects like Civics, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Fine Arts, and Islamic Studies. After completing FA, you can continue to BA, BS, or other undergraduate programs depending on your interest and grades.

It’s a flexible and practical choice for those who want careers in teaching, media, literature, law, or public service.

Mistake 1: Not Researching the Right College or Board

Many students rush into admission without checking if the college they’re applying to is affiliated with a recognized board. Each province in Pakistan has its own education boards (BISE), and choosing a college registered with your local board is important for your results, certificates, and future academic applications.

How to Avoid:

• Always verify if the college is affiliated with a recognized board like BISE Lahore, Karachi, Multan, or Federal Board

• Visit the board’s website or ask for the affiliation letter before applying

• Prefer well-established colleges with good track records

Mistake 2: Choosing Subjects Without Future Planning

One of the biggest mistakes during FA admission is selecting subjects without understanding how they align with your future goals. Students often pick subjects based on what their friends are choosing, or what seems easy, without thinking about future university programs or careers.

How to Avoid:

• Think about the degree you want to pursue after FA

• Research which FA subjects are needed for BA, LLB, BEd, or CSS

• Seek advice from teachers or career counselors before finalizing subjects

Mistake 3: Missing Deadlines for FA Admission

It’s very common for students to miss the admission deadline, especially those waiting for their matric results. Colleges usually open admissions in June or July and close them by August or early September, depending on the region. Private colleges often have flexible dates, but public colleges strictly follow the schedule.

How to Avoid:

• Mark key dates on a calendar

• Follow your desired college's official website or visit in person

Mistake 4: Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Incomplete forms, spelling mistakes, or missing documents are a major reason why applications get rejected or delayed. Even a small error in your father’s name or date of birth can cause issues with your certificate.

How to Avoid:

• Double-check all details before submitting the form

• Make photocopies of all original documents

• Keep scanned versions of your documents ready, especially if applying online

Essential Documents Needed:

• Matriculation certificate or result card

• Character certificate from school

• B-Form or CNIC

• Passport-sized photographs

• Domicile (if required)

• Father/Guardian CNIC copy

Mistake 5: Not Considering College Timings and Distance

Many students face issues attending regular classes because they didn’t think about college timings or how far the college is from their home. This affects attendance, punctuality, and sometimes results in dropping out.

How to Avoid:

• Prefer colleges that are accessible via public transport or within a reasonable distance

• Check morning and afternoon shifts and choose what suits your daily routine

• Ask about attendance policies before enrolling

Mistake 6: Overlooking the College Environment and Facilities

A poor campus environment, lack of facilities, or undisciplined atmosphere can affect your learning experience. But most students don’t visit the college before applying and only realize the drawbacks later.

How to Avoid:

• Visit the college in person before applying

• Check the classrooms, libraries, labs (if applicable), and faculty availability

• Talk to current students if possible

Mistake 7: Not Applying to Multiple Colleges

Applying to just one college is risky. You might not get selected due to merit issues, limited seats, or late form submission.

How to Avoid:

• Apply to at least 3 to 5 colleges to keep your options open

• Include both public and private colleges in your list

• Prioritize colleges based on merit, location, and quality of education

Mistake 8: Ignoring Private Colleges or Online Options

Some students hesitate to consider private colleges due to fee concerns or assume that they’re inferior to public colleges. While fees are higher, many private colleges offer excellent education and facilities. Some even offer scholarships or discounts.

Online FA programs are also available now, especially for students who want flexibility due to jobs or family responsibilities.

How to Avoid:

• Explore private colleges that offer merit-based scholarships

• Don’t dismiss online or distance learning programs offered by institutions like AIOU (Allama Iqbal Open University)

• Compare pros and cons of both formats before deciding

Mistake 9: Forgetting to Ask About Scholarships and Fee Discounts

Some colleges offer scholarships for top scorers in matric or waive admission fees for deserving students. Unfortunately, many students don’t ask about these options.

How to Avoid:

• Inquire about available scholarships or merit discounts at the time of form submission

• Prepare documents that prove your eligibility (like result cards, recommendation letters, or income certificates)

• Don’t be shy to ask—even private colleges may offer discounts if you ask confidently

Mistake 10: Not Reading the Admission Prospectus Carefully

Admission prospectus contains vital details about subject options, rules, fees, refund policies, exam patterns, attendance requirements, and more. Skipping through this document can result in misunderstandings later.

How to Avoid:

• Read the prospectus thoroughly before making your subject choices

• Note down any important instructions or policies

• Save a digital copy for reference

FA Admission 2025: Important Dates to Remember

Make sure to confirm these dates with your specific college or check official board announcements.

Benefits of Choosing FA

Still unsure whether FA is the right option for you? Let’s look at a few benefits:

• Flexible subject options

• Less pressure compared to FSc

• Good base for CSS, journalism, and public service exams

• Pathway to BA/BS in subjects like Urdu, Political Science, Education, etc.

It’s a solid choice for students who are more inclined toward reading, writing, and analytical thinking rather than science and engineering.

Final Checklist Before Submitting Your FA Admission Form

✅ Chosen the right college
✅ Verified the college’s board affiliation
✅ Selected subjects based on future goals
✅ Checked distance and timings
✅ Prepared all required documents
✅ Applied to multiple colleges
✅ Checked for scholarships or discounts
✅ Read the prospectus
✅ Met the deadline

Final Thoughts

Getting admitted into an FA program may seem simple on the surface, but making one of these common mistakes can set you back academically or financially. With the right planning, research, and preparation, you can start your FA journey confidently and make it a strong foundation for your future education and career.