Higher Education Commission (HEC)

Education Testing Council (ETC)

Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT)

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

Overview

The Education Testing Council (ETC) is conducting the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for students who intend to seek admission in MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programmes in Pakistani Universities. The HAT score is also valid for the award of HEC Scholarships (including HEC-sponsored and Hungarian Scholarships) at relevant universities.

Who Can Apply for HAT?

Those who:

• Are interested in seeking admission in MS/M.Phil. & Ph.D. Programmes in public and private Pakistani universities (those that accept HAT).

• Have already applied for MS/M.Phil. & Ph.D. admission OR HEC scholarships via the E-portal in response to universities/HEC advertisement.

• Intend to apply in the future for HEC scholarships (including HEC-sponsored scholarships) in Pakistani Universities.

HAT Categories

HAT is conducted in five (05) categories based on 16 years or equivalent education. Students may register in any category keeping in view the university's admission requirement and/or their academic stream.

Test Structure & Question Breakup

Note: Students may choose the relevant test as per the university's admission requirement and their academic stream. After qualifying the respective HAT, students will be eligible for admission in MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes, and the result is also valid for the award of HEC Scholarships (including Hungarian Scholarships) at relevant universities.

Qualifying Score and Validity

Test Schedule

Any change in test date will be notified through http://hec.gov.pk and http://etc.hec.gov.pk. ETC conducts HAT on a quarterly basis in major cities of Pakistan. For next test dates, see the Test Calendar 2026 at the ETC website.

How to Apply

1. Visit http://etc.hec.gov.pk for online registration.

2. For any difficulty during online registration, visit https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.

3. After completing registration data/information, candidates must SUBMIT the application. Only SUBMITTED applications will be considered. Applications in SAVE or INCOMPLETE mode will not be entertained.

4. Candidates must get queries/complaints resolved before the closure of the web registration portal. Queries/complaints handling beyond the registration deadline is denied by the system due to logistics/security reasons.

5. Kindly check personal details (name, CNIC number, cell number, etc.) before submitting the application. Candidates will not be allowed to sit in the test if there is a difference between CNIC and application data.

6. Candidates who have registered or applied using the CNIC of their parents, siblings, relatives, or any other individual are not permitted to sit in the test.

Fee Payment

• Fee can be submitted through 1Link/TBill Invoice payment services with the generated consumer number.

• After depositing the fee through 1Link/1Bill Invoice, click on Verify Online Payment on the ETC Dashboard.

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

Roll Number Slip

• Applicants can download their Roll Number Slip from http://etc.hec.gov.pk a week before the test date.

• Email/SMS will also be sent to registered applicants about the issuance of their Roll Number Slips. Candidates must provide valid email/mobile numbers on which they wish to receive their Roll Number Slips.

• SMS shall not be sent to mobile numbers that have been converted from one network to another. These students will receive this information through their email.

• A printout of Roll Number Slip and Original CNIC/Passport will be required to enter the Test Centre on the Test Day.

Test Centres

• The test will be conducted in major cities. Applicants may select any Test Centre from the list available in the application form.

• Test Centre will not be changed after registration. However, ETC may assign another test centre if a minimum of 250 applicants are not available at the selected test centre.

Important Instructions

• Mobile phones or electronic devices such as calculating, recording, communication, or imaging electronic devices are NOT ALLOWED inside the test centre.

• Taking, uploading, or sharing images of the question book is strictly prohibited and is an offence liable to punishment as per ETC policy.

Key Dates

Contact Information

Education Testing Council (ETC)
Website: https://etc.hec.gov.pk
Helpline: 0334-111-9432 and 051-111-119-432