HEC USAT 2026 Registration for Undergraduate Admissions – Apply by November 22

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), through its Education Testing Council (ETC), is conducting the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) for students seeking admission to undergraduate courses and programmes in Pakistani universities.

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 who have passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent examination representing 12 years of education.
• Students who have appeared in the final HSSC or equivalent examinations and are awaiting their results.

USAT Categories

Applicants may register for a category according to their academic stream and the admission requirements of their intended university.

Students who qualify in the relevant USAT category will be eligible for admission to the relevant universities. USAT is also valid for two years for the award of HEC undergraduate scholarships.

Qualifying Score and Validity

A score of 50 out of 100 will be considered a qualifying score. The test score remains valid for two years.

The detailed question breakdown and marks distribution for all USAT categories are available at HEC USAT Content Weightages.

Test Schedule and University Admissions

Any change in the test date will be announced through hec.gov.pk and etc.hec.gov.pk. ETC conducts USAT quarterly in major cities of Pakistan. Applicants should consult the Test Calendar 2026 on the ETC website for subsequent test dates.

Universities will assign weightage to the USAT score according to their admission policies when preparing merit lists. Students applying to universities that accept USAT must submit their ETC scorecard for the relevant category so that the score can be included in the university's weightage-based merit determination formula.

How to Apply

1. Register online at etc.hec.gov.pk. For assistance with registration, visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.
2. Complete the registration information and submit the application. Only submitted applications will be considered; applications left in saved or incomplete mode will not be entertained.
3. Resolve registration queries or complaints before the registration portal closes. The system does not permit complaint handling after the registration deadline for logistical and security reasons.
4. Check personal details, including name, CNIC number and mobile number, before submission. Candidates will not be permitted to take the test if their CNIC details differ from their application information.
5. Use the candidate's own CNIC. Candidates who register or apply using the CNIC of a parent, sibling, relative or any other person will not be permitted to take the test.
6. 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.

Roll Number Slips and Test-Day Requirements

• Applicants can download their roll number slips from etc.hec.gov.pk one week before the test date.
• Registered applicants will also receive email or SMS notifications about the issuance of roll number slips. Applicants must provide valid email addresses and mobile numbers in their online applications.
• SMS notifications will not be sent to mobile numbers that have been converted from one network to another. Applicants using such numbers will receive the information by email.
• A hard copy of the roll number slip and the original CNIC or passport are required for entry to the test centre on test day.
• Candidates under 18 who do not have a CNIC must bring their original B Form along with their original SSC or HSSC certificate bearing their photograph.
• The test will be conducted in major cities. Applicants may select a test centre from the options in the application form. The selected test centre cannot be changed after registration.

Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed inside the test centre. This includes calculating, recording, communication and imaging devices. Taking, uploading or sharing images of the question book is strictly prohibited and may result in punishment under ETC rules.

Contact and Reference

Issuer: Higher Education Commission, Education Testing Council.
Helplines: 0334-111-9432 and 051-111-9432.
Websites: etc.hec.gov.pk and www.hec.gov.pk.
Social media: @HECPakistan2002 and @hec_pk.
Reference: PID(I)4278-D/26.