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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, through its Education Testing Council (ETC), has announced the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for students seeking admission in MS, M.Phil, and PhD programs in Pakistani universities. The test also serves as a requirement for HEC scholarships.
Who Can Apply for HAT?
- Students intending to apply for MS/M.Phil/PhD programs in public or private Pakistani universities.
- Applicants for HEC scholarships via E-portal.
- Students applying to universities that require HAT scores for admission.
HAT Test Categories and Disciplines
HAT is conducted in five categories based on academic disciplines. Choose the category that matches your field of study:
| Test Category | Disciplines | English Verbal Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAT 1 | Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics | 30% | 30% | 40% | 100 |
| HAT 2 | Business Education, Management Sciences | 40% | 30% | 30% | 100 |
| HAT 3 | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law | 50% | 30% | 20% | 100 |
| HAT 4 | Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education, Media & Mass Communication, Religious Studies | 30% | 30% | 40% | 100 |
| HAT-General | Open to all disciplines | 40% | 30% | 30% | 100 |
Qualifying Score and Validity
- A score of 50 out of 100 is considered qualifying.
- HAT scores are valid for two years.
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Test Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
How to Apply for HAT 2026
- Visit the official ETC portal: etc.hec.gov.pk.
- Complete the online registration form with accurate details (CNIC, email, mobile number).
- Submit the application. Applications in “SAVE” or incomplete mode will not be accepted.
- Pay the test fee via 1Link/1Bill invoice payment services integrated with the ETC portal.
- Verify your payment online through the ETC dashboard.
- Download your Roll Number Slip before the test date. It will also be sent via email/SMS.
Test Day Instructions
- Bring your original CNIC and Roll Number Slip to the test center.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- No books, notes, or external material are allowed inside the test center.
- The test will be conducted in English, in paper-based format, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- All categories will be tested on the same day across major cities of Pakistan.
- Test centers once selected cannot be changed after registration.
Additional Notes
- Queries or complaints must be resolved before the registration deadline. Late queries will not be entertained.
- Applications submitted using someone else’s CNIC (parents, siblings, relatives) will be rejected.
- The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- HAT scores are valid for two years and can be used for both admissions and HEC scholarships.
Contact Information
For queries, contact the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Education Testing Council:
- Helpline: 051-111-119-432 / 0334-111-9432
- Website: etc.hec.gov.pk
- Address: Sector H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan
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