BIG UPDATE: HEC Makes HAT Mandatory for Fall 2026 Admissions!

Attention MS/M.Phil & PhD Applicants! The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially changed its rules. Individual university admission tests are no longer accepted. To standardise graduate admissions and ensure transparency across Pakistan, HEC has made the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) mandatory for ALL public and private university admissions starting from the Fall 2026 intake.

If you are planning to join an MS / M.Phil or PhD program this fall, you must register for the centralized HAT exam via the Education Testing Council (ETC).

Qualifying Score:

• 50 out of 100 for MS/M.Phil

• 60 out of 100 for PhD

(The score will remain valid for 2 years)

Format:

100 Marks distributed across English/Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

HAT Test Categories

HAT 1

Disciplines: Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics

Breakdown: Verbal 30% | Analytical 30% | Quantitative 40%

HAT 2

Disciplines: Management Sciences, Business Education

Breakdown: Verbal 30% | Analytical 40% | Quantitative 30%

HAT 3

Disciplines: Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law

Breakdown: Verbal 40% | Analytical 35% | Quantitative 25%

HAT 4

Disciplines: Agriculture, Veterinary, Biological & Medical Sciences, Media, Education

Breakdown: Verbal 40% | Analytical 30% | Quantitative 30%

HAT-General

Disciplines: Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates)

Breakdown: Verbal 40% | Analytical 30% | Quantitative 30%

How to Apply

1. Register online directly through the official portal: [http://etc.hec.gov.pk](http://etc.hec.gov.pk)

2. Fill out your details carefully (Ensure they exactly match your CNIC).

3. Pay the non-refundable test fee via 1Link/1Bill invoice services using your generated consumer number.

4. Finalise and SUBMIT your application (Saved/Incomplete drafts will not be processed).

Note: Do not wait for universities to announce their own entry tests. Secure your HAT score now to ensure your eligibility for the Fall 2026 admissions and upcoming HEC scholarships!