HEC Announces Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for MS/M.Phil & Ph.D. Admissions and Scholarships
Islamabad, Pakistan – The Education Testing Council (ETC), under the Higher Education Commission (HEC), has announced the schedule for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT). This standardized test is a mandatory requirement for students seeking admission to MS/M.Phil and Ph.D. programs in public and private Pakistani universities that accept the HAT score. The test is also a prerequisite for the award of HEC scholarships.
This is a crucial opportunity for all postgraduate aspirants to qualify for admissions and scholarships for the upcoming academic sessions.
Who Can Apply for the HAT?
The HAT is designed for students at various stages of their postgraduate application process. You can apply if you are:
Interested in seeking admission to MS/M.Phil or Ph.D. programs in Pakistani universities.
Have already applied for MS/M.Phil/Ph.D. admission or HEC scholarships through the E-portal.
Intend to apply for HEC scholarships in the future.
Which HAT Category Should You Apply For?
The HAT is conducted in five distinct categories based on a student’s 16 years of education or their academic stream. Students must choose the category that aligns with their field of study.
HAT 1: For disciplines in Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics.
HAT 2: For disciplines in Management Sciences and Business Education.
HAT 3: For disciplines in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology (Clinical & Applied), and Law.
HAT 4: For disciplines in Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences, Biological & Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education, and Media & Mass Communication.
HAT-General: For Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates).
Test Schedule and Important Dates
Last Date for Online Registration: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (until midnight)
HAT Test Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Note: The ETC conducts the HAT on a quarterly basis in major cities across Pakistan. For future test dates, applicants are advised to check the Test Calendar 2025 on the ETC website.
Qualifying Score and Validity
Qualifying Score: A score of 50 out of 100 is required to qualify the HAT.
Validity: The HAT test score will be valid for two (02) years.
How to Apply Online
The application process for the HAT is entirely online.
Online Registration: Visit the official ETC registration portal at http://etc.hec.gov.pk to register. For assistance with the online registration process, please visit https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.
Submit Application: After filling in all the required data and information, you must SUBMIT the application. Incomplete or saved applications will not be considered.
Pay the Test Fee: The fee can be paid through the 1Link/1Bill Invoice payment service using the generated consumer number. You can pay via participating banks, ATMs, or mobile banking. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Download Roll Number Slip: Applicants can download their Roll Number Slip from the ETC website one week before the test date. Roll Number Slips will also be sent to the registered email address.
Important Instructions:
Carefully check all personal details (Name, CNIC, etc.) before submitting the application. Any discrepancy between your CNIC and application data will result in you not being allowed to sit for the test.
Mobile phones, electronic devices, and calculators are strictly prohibited inside the test center.
You must bring a printout of your Roll Number Slip and your original CNIC/Passport to the test center on the day of the test.
