HEC Overseas Scholarship 2026: HAT Exam Date & Schedule

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued an official corrigendum updating the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) schedule for its Overseas MS, MPhil, and PhD Scholarship scheme. According to the commission’s revised timeline, the examination will now take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The amendment acts as a follow-up to the original overseas scholarship announcement published on August 9, 2026.

Key Updates for Applicants

1. Roll Number Slips Availability

Candidates appearing for the HAT exam can download their admit cards starting September 17, 2026. The roll number slips will be accessible online through the HEC Education Testing Council (ETC) portal at etc.hec.gov.pk.

2. Corrected Online Application Portal

HEC clarified a structural error in the original advertisement regarding the registration link. Applicants must submit their scholarship requests through the official HEC Scholarship Portal at scholarships.hec.gov.pk.

3. Unchanged Terms and Conditions

The commission confirmed that all other eligibility requirements, terms, and guidelines mentioned in the August 9 notification remain fully enforced.

Important Test Day Guidelines

HEC urges candidates to download their admit slips promptly once released to avoid last-minute portal congestion. Applicants must carefully check their roll number slips for:

• Designated test venue and station details

• Strict morning reporting times

• Mandatory original identity documentation required for entry

The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is a core component of HEC’s selection criteria for candidates seeking fully funded foreign post-graduate studies.

For detailed information on HAT test structures and scholarship requirements, applicants can watch this comprehensive guide on HEC HAT Test updates, which offers a complete overview of the eligibility criteria, test categories, and selection process.