HAT Test in Pakistan 2026

If you are one of those students who have applied for Higher Education Aptitude test in 2026, and are waiting for the Test date announcement  then we have good news for you. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) through Education Testing Council (ETC) are announced the date of HAT Test which is Sunday 1st February 2026. Students will be able to check the HAT Test Date from this page with ease. The announcement will be made online through its official website and social media accounts. To get to know more about the HAT Test 2026 please refer to the following key points:

• The HAT Test Date are announced by Higher Education Commission (HEC) which is December 7th, 2025 (Sunday).

• The roll no slips for HAT test will be issue on January 26th, 2026 (Monday).

• The result of HAT test 2026 will be announce on February 20th, 2026 (Friday).

• Students will be able to search this from this page.

• Keep visiting our website for the latest HAT updates.

HAT Test Schedule 2026

HAT Stand For

HAT Full form is Higher Education Aptitude test .

HAT Test 2026 for MS/MPhil and PHD Students

HAT stands for Higher Education Aptitude test. HAT is an eligibility test which will be conducted by Higher Education Commission (HEC) through Education Testing Council (ETC) for award of all HEC scholarships and to get admission in MS/ Mphil programmes.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for HAT

The test is being organized for those applicants who have already applied online for MS/ Mphil admission or HEC scholarships through E-portal for further final selection process. Those applicants who are interested to get admission in MS/Mphil programmes in private and public universities of Pakistan and for those who intend to apply for scholarship schemes to be advertised in future including those by HEC sponsored Pakistani universities. The candidates who have completed 16 years of education or equivalent are eligible to apply.

How to apply for HAT?

To register the applicant must visit http://etc.hec.gov.pk. In case of any issue during online registration visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk or visit HEC regional offices. There are two steps for application submission. Firstly, profile completion using ‘my profile’ section and secondly, application submission using ‘Higher education aptitude test’ links on the menu panel on the left side of the online portal. Only submitted applications will be considered for HAT. The last date for online registration was 15th January 2026 .

Proposed Test Schedule

Test will be held on quarterly basis and in major cities of Pakistan. On the ETC website a yearly test calendar will be uploaded.

HAT Online Preparation

Students can prepare HAT through the website of Ilm ki dunya ( www.ilmkidunya.com ). In the website there are multiple choice questions given with answers for every test category that can help candidates to prepare for the test. Also, a sample paper will be available on HEC website to prepare for the test.

HAT Frequently Asked Questions/ HAT FAQs

Q 1: What is HAT test in Pakistan?

Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is an eligibility test conducted by Higher Commission of Pakistan (HEC) for HEC scholarships awards to get admissions in MS, MPhil and PHD programmes in public and private Universities of Pakistan. The HAT HEC test remain valid two years after passing it.

Q 2: What are the passing marks of HAT test?

Must have minimum 50%-60% marks in HAT test.

Q 3: How do I register for the HAT test?

For registration, please visit the following link: http://etc.hec.gov.pk. In case of any problem during the online registration, please visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk or visit HEC regional offices for guidance.

Q 4: Is there any negative marking in HAT test?

There is no negative marking in HAT test. You can make random guess if necessary.

Q 5: What is eligibility criteria for HAT test?

The test is being organized for those applicants who have already applied online for MS/ Mphil and PHD admission or HEC scholarships through E- portal for further final selection process. Those applicants who are interested to get admission in MS/Mphil programmes in private and public universities of Pakistan and for those who intend to apply for scholarship schemes to be advertised in future including those by HEC sponsored Pakistani universities. The candidates who have completed 16 years of education or equivalent are eligible to apply.

Q 6: What is HAT test fee?

The fee for HAT test is Rs. 2000.

Q 7: How to prepare for HAT test?

HAT is comprised of multiple choice questions. Applicants who are looking for the best or quick preparation method, they are invited here at Ilmkidunya where students can get the complete preparation of HAT test 2026. Also a sample paper will be available on HEC website to prepare for the test.

Q 8: Is HAT test conducted for PHD?

Yes, HAT test is conducted by HEC for admission in PhD Programs.

Q 9: What is the last date to register for HAT 2026?

The last date for online registration was 15 january 2026.

Q 10: What is HEC HAT scholarship?

The HAT test is for those candidates who want to take admission in MS/ M.Phil degree or want to apply for the HEC Scholarship schemes.

Q 11: On which date HAT 2026 will be held?

On Feb 1st, 2026 the test will be scheduled. As soon as the date of test will be accounced by HEC ilmkidunya will upload on this page.