The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened online registration for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2026, conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC). This test is mandatory for candidates planning to apply for Commonwealth, Chinese Government, and various HEC-funded MS/M.Phil. and PhD scholarship programs.
The Higher Education Commission is Pakistan’s leading public body responsible for promoting higher education, research, and scholarship opportunities. Through the Education Testing Council (ETC), HEC regularly conducts standardized aptitude tests to assess candidates for admissions and scholarship programs across multiple academic disciplines. The HAT score remains valid for two years, making it useful for applicants planning future admissions as well.
Quick Information at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Higher Education Commission (HEC) |
| Test Name | Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Education Testing Council (ETC) |
| Purpose | Commonwealth, Chinese Government & HEC Scholarships |
| Qualification | 16 Years Education (Bachelor/Master or Equivalent) |
| Test Categories | HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III, HAT-IV, HAT-General |
| Qualifying Score | 60 out of 100 |
| Test Score Validity | 2 Years |
| Registration Starts | 19 July 2026 |
| Last Date | 03 August 2026 |
| Test Date | 30 August 2026 |
| Test Cities | Major Cities of Pakistan |
| Official Portal | https://etc.hec.gov.pk |
| Official Helpline | 051-111-119-432, 0334-111-9432 |
Academic Streams Covered Under HAT
Applicants should select the category that best matches their educational background because it cannot be changed after submission.
HAT-I
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Physics
HAT-II
- Management Sciences
- Business Education
HAT-III
- Arts & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Law
HAT-IV
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Education
- Media & Mass Communication
HAT-General
- Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates)
Important Test Schedule
The online registration portal is available from 19 July 2026 and will close on 03 August 2026 (11:59 PM).
The HAT examination is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August 2026. If any changes are made to the schedule, HEC will announce them through its official website.
Scoring Pattern
The examination consists of 100 marks.
Candidates must obtain at least 60 marks to qualify. A qualifying score remains valid for two years, allowing applicants to use it for eligible scholarship opportunities during the validity period.
Important Instructions Before Registration
Applicants should carefully review all personal information before submitting the online application.
Incorrect CNIC details, mobile number, or name may result in disqualification from the test.
Applications left in Save or Incomplete mode will not be accepted.
Candidates registered using another person’s CNIC, including parents or siblings, will not be permitted to appear in the examination.
Mobile phones, calculators, recording devices, cameras, smart watches, and other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre.
Step-by-Step Recruitment Guide (Online Registration)
- Visit the official ETC registration portal: https://etc.hec.gov.pk.
- Create your account or log in using your existing credentials.
- Complete the online application form with accurate academic and personal information.
- Select the appropriate HAT category according to your field of study.
- Generate the 1Link/1Bill Consumer Number and deposit the prescribed test fee.
- Return to your ETC Dashboard and click Verify Online Payment after successful fee submission.
- Carefully review every entry, then submit the application. Applications in draft mode will not be processed.
- Download your Roll Number Slip from the ETC portal approximately one week before the test. HEC will also notify registered applicants through email and SMS where applicable.
- On the test day, bring your printed Roll Number Slip along with the original CNIC or Passport to the assigned examination centre.
- For registration support or technical assistance, use the official portals https://etc.hec.gov.pk and https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk, or contact the ETC Helpline at 051-111-119-432 or 0334-111-9432.
