HEC Higher Education Aptitude Test HAT 2026 Registration for MS, MPhil, PhD and Scholarships

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), through its Education Testing Council (ETC), is conducting the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programmes in Pakistani universities and for the award of HEC scholarships.

Online registration closes on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 24:00 hours. The test will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

• Students interested in admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programmes at public and private Pakistani universities that accept HAT.
• Candidates who have already applied for MS/MPhil or PhD admission, or for HEC scholarships through the e-portal, in response to university or HEC advertisements.
• Candidates intending to apply in the future for HEC scholarships, including HEC-sponsored scholarships, at Pakistani universities.

HAT Categories and Question Distribution

HAT has five categories based on 16 years of education or an equivalent qualification. Candidates may register for a category according to their university's admission requirements and their academic stream.

Students should select the relevant test according to their university's admission requirements and academic stream. Qualifying the relevant HAT makes students eligible for admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programmes at the relevant universities. HAT results are also valid for the award of HEC scholarships, including Hungarian scholarships.

Qualifying Score and Validity

A score of 50 out of 100 is the qualifying HAT score. Test scores remain valid for two years.

Test Schedule

Any change in the test date will be announced at hec.gov.pk and etc.hec.gov.pk. ETC conducts HAT quarterly in major cities of Pakistan. Further test dates are available in the Test Calendar 2026 on the ETC website.

How to Apply

• Register online at etc.hec.gov.pk. For difficulties during online registration, visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.
• After completing registration and entering the required information, submit the application. Only submitted applications will be considered; applications in SAVE or INCOMPLETE mode will not be entertained.
• Resolve registration queries or complaints before the registration portal closes. The system does not handle registration-deadline queries or complaints after closure for logistics and security reasons.
• Check personal details, including name, CNIC number and mobile number, before submission. Candidates will not be allowed to sit the test if their CNIC details differ from their application data.
• Candidates who register or apply using the CNIC of a parent, sibling, relative or any other person will not be permitted to sit the test.
• Pay the fee through 1Link/1Bill invoice payment services using the generated consumer number. After payment, click Verify Online Payment on the ETC dashboard.
• The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Download the Roll Number Slip from etc.hec.gov.pk one week before the test date.
• Registered applicants will also receive email/SMS notifications about issuance of their Roll Number Slips. Provide a valid email address and mobile number when completing the application. SMS will not be sent to mobile numbers transferred from one network to another; these applicants will receive the information by email.
• Bring a hard copy of the Roll Number Slip and the original CNIC or passport to enter the test centre on test day.
• The test will be conducted in major cities. Applicants may select a test centre from the options in the application form. The selected centre cannot be changed after registration. However, ETC may assign another centre if fewer than 250 applicants are available at the selected centre.

Mobile phones and electronic devices capable of calculating, recording, communication or imaging are prohibited inside the test centre. Taking, uploading or sharing photographs of the question booklet is strictly prohibited and is punishable under ETC policy.

Education Testing Council: https://etc.hec.gov.pk
Helplines: 0334-111-9432 and 051-111-119-432
Reference: PID (I) 4247/26