Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) 2025 – General & Subject, Eligibility, Syllabus, Categories, Validity

The Graduate Assessment Test (GAT), conducted by the National Testing Service (NTS) Pakistan, is one of the most important standardized exams for higher education admissions in the country. It is a mandatory requirement for students who wish to pursue MS, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs at recognized universities.

The GAT is designed to measure not only a candidate’s reasoning and analytical skills but also their subject knowledge (for Ph.D. aspirants). With its two main categories, GAT – General and GAT – Subject, this test ensures that students entering advanced studies are academically competent and prepared for research and intellectual challenges.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the GAT, including its types, structure, syllabus, eligibility, validity, and comparison with other entry tests.

Types of Graduate Assessment Test (GAT)

The NTS offers two major categories of GAT:

GAT – General (for MS/M.Phil. admissions)

GAT – Subject (for Ph.D. admissions)

GAT – General

The GAT General Test is required for students applying to MS or M.Phil. programs. The eligibility criteria require candidates to have completed 16 years of education (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

The test focuses on three core reasoning areas:

Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Analytical Reasoning

However, the weightage of these components varies depending on the candidate’s academic background.

GAT – General Categories

Category	Target Students	Verbal Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning	Total
GAT – A	Business & Engineering Students	35%	35%	30%	100%
GAT – B	Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences	50%	30%	20%	100%
GAT – C	Agriculture, Veterinary, Biological Sciences	45%	35%	20%	100%
GAT – D	Religious Studies	50%	30%	20%	100%

This categorization ensures fair evaluation of students according to their academic background.

GAT – Subject

The GAT Subject Test is designed for Ph.D. admissions. Candidates applying for this test must have completed 18 years of education (MS/M.Phil. or equivalent degree).

Unlike GAT General, which assesses reasoning and logical skills, the GAT Subject test focuses on in-depth knowledge of a particular discipline.

Key Features of GAT Subject:

Required for Ph.D. programs

Eligibility: 18 years of education
Assesses subject-specific knowledge
Validity: 2 years

List of Subjects Offered in GAT Subject

The GAT Subject covers a wide range of disciplines. Below is a categorized breakdown:

Agriculture & Biological Sciences

Agriculture Economics
Agriculture Extension
Crop Production
Crop Protection
Food Sciences
Plant Genetics
Veterinary Sciences (Animal, Clinical, Pathological, Biomedical)
Zoology
Botany
Biotechnology
Microbiology
Biochemistry

Engineering & Technology

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Telecommunication Engineering
Metallurgical & Material Engineering
Textile Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Economics
Education
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Mass Communication
History
Fine Arts
Library & Information Sciences
Social Anthropology
International Relations
Pakistan Studies
Home Economics

Natural & Physical Sciences

Chemistry
Physics
Statistics
Mathematics
Environmental Sciences
Meteorology
Remote Sensing & GIS

Languages & Religious Studies

English Literature & Linguistics
Islamic Studies
Pakistani Languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Saraiki, Balochi, Brahvi, Urdu)
Arabic

With over 60 subjects, the GAT Subject ensures that almost every academic discipline is represented.

GAT Test Validity

GAT scores remain valid for 2 years from the date of the test.

Students can apply to multiple universities within this time frame.

Retakes are allowed if candidates wish to improve their scores.

GAT vs MDCAT – Key Differences

Feature	GAT (General/Subject)	MDCAT
Purpose	For MS, M.Phil., and Ph.D. admissions	For MBBS & BDS admissions
Eligibility	16 years (General), 18 years (Subject)	FSc (Pre-Medical) / A-Levels
Focus	Reasoning, analytical, subject knowledge	Pre-medical subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English)
Validity	2 years	1 year (only for medical admissions)
Conducted by	NTS	PMC/NUMS (depending on province/institution)

How to Prepare for GAT?

Here are some preparation tips for both GAT General and GAT Subject:

For GAT General

Focus on improving vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar for verbal reasoning.

Practice basic mathematics, algebra, and problem-solving skills for quantitative reasoning.

Work on puzzles, logical arguments, and data interpretation for analytical reasoning.

For GAT Subject

Review your entire subject syllabus from Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.

Go through research papers, latest trends, and academic publications in your field.

Practice past NTS GAT Subject papers for familiarity with test format.

Benefits of GAT

Ensures merit-based admissions in Pakistan’s universities.

Provides a standardized measure of analytical and subject-specific skills.

Recognized by HEC and multiple universities across the country.

Valid for two years, giving candidates flexibility.

FAQs About GAT

Q1: What is the passing score for GAT?
A: Most universities require a minimum of 50% score, but competitive programs may demand higher marks.

Q2: How many times can I attempt the GAT?
A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can retake the test to improve scores.

Q3: Is GAT equivalent to GRE?
A: While GAT is Pakistan-specific, it is somewhat similar to the GRE in assessing reasoning and analytical skills. However, GRE has global recognition, while GAT is primarily for local admissions.

Q4: Can I use my GAT score for scholarships?
A: Yes, many local and international scholarship programs in Pakistan accept GAT scores as part of eligibility criteria.

Q5: Which is more difficult, GAT General or GAT Subject?
A: It depends on the student’s background. GAT General requires strong reasoning skills, while GAT Subject demands in-depth subject knowledge.

Summary

The Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) plays a vital role in shaping the academic future of Pakistani students. Whether you are aiming for MS, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs, the GAT ensures that only capable and deserving candidates secure admission.

By dividing the test into General and Subject categories, NTS provides a fair system that accommodates the diverse academic needs of students from business, sciences, humanities, and engineering. With two-year validity, multiple attempts, and recognition across leading universities, the GAT remains a reliable pathway to advanced education and research opportunities.

For any student aspiring to pursue higher studies, understanding the GAT structure, syllabus, and preparation strategy is the first step toward academic success.