Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT)

For Admission in MS/M.Phil. & Ph.D. Programmes in Pakistani Universities and Award of HEC Scholarships

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, through the Education Testing Council (ETC), conducts the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT). This test is designed for students who wish to seek admission to MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in Pakistani universities. The HAT score is also used for the award of HEC scholarships.

Who Can Apply for HAT?

Students who meet the following conditions can apply for the test:

1. Those interested in seeking admission to MS/M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes in public or private Pakistani universities that accept HAT scores.

2. Students who have already applied for MS/M.Phil. or Ph.D. admission or for HEC scholarships through the HEC E-Portal in response to HEC advertisements.

3. Candidates who intend to apply for HEC scholarships in the future.

HAT Test Categories

The HAT is conducted in five categories based on 16 years of education or equivalent qualification. Students may select the category according to their academic background and the university admission requirements.

Note: Students should choose the test category that matches their academic field or intended area of specialization. After qualifying the relevant HAT category, candidates become eligible for MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D. admissions in Pakistani universities. The result can also be used for HEC scholarship applications.

Qualifying Score and Validity

• Minimum Passing Score: 50 out of 100

• Validity of Test Score: 2 years

Test Schedule

• Registration Start Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Last Date for Online Registration: Monday, March 30, 2026

• Test Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Any changes in the test schedule will be announced on the ETC website.

How to Apply

1. Visit the ETC registration portal:
   http://etc.hec.gov.pk

2. Complete the online registration form.

3. After filling in the required information, submit the application.

Important instructions:

• Only submitted applications will be considered. Applications saved in “Save” or incomplete mode will not be accepted.

• Candidates must resolve any queries or complaints before the registration deadline.

• Carefully check personal details such as name, CNIC number, and mobile number before submitting the application.

• If there is any mismatch between CNIC and application data, the candidate will not be allowed to sit for the test.

• Candidates who register using the CNIC of parents, siblings, or any other person will not be allowed to take the test.

Fee Payment Procedure

• The test fee can be submitted through 1Link / 1Bill / invoice payment services using the generated consumer number.

• After depositing the fee, click “Verify Online Payment” on the ETC dashboard.

• The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Roll Number Slip

• Applicants can download the Roll Number Slip from the ETC website.

• It will also be sent to the candidate’s registered email address about one week before the test.

• SMS notifications will also be sent regarding the issuance of roll number slips.

On the test day, candidates must bring:

• Printed Roll Number Slip

• Original CNIC or Passport

Test Centres

• The test will be conducted in major cities of Pakistan.

• Candidates can select their preferred test centre during registration.

• Once selected, the test centre cannot be changed.

• However, ETC may change the centre if fewer than 250 applicants choose a particular location.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must carefully select the test category according to their subject or specialization.

• Once selected, the test category cannot be changed later.

• Mobile phones, calculators, communication devices, or electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited in the test centre.

• Taking, uploading, or sharing images of the question paper is strictly prohibited and punishable under ETC policy.

Helpline

Phone Numbers:

• 051-111-119-432

• 0334-111-9432