Higher Education Commission HAT Test 2026 - Complete Detail

Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for Commonwealth, Chinese Government & Other HEC Scholarships – August 2026

University Introduction

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is the nation's premier public sector regulatory body for higher education, headquartered in Islamabad. Through its Education Testing Council (ETC), HEC conducts the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for candidates aspiring to apply for Commonwealth, Chinese Government, and other prestigious HEC scholarships for MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D./Doctoral programs.

The test is designed to assess candidates' aptitude for higher studies and research. For more details on national opportunities, explore the govt sector admissions in public sector .

Test Categories Offered

HAT is conducted in the following five categories based on 16 years or equivalent education:

• HAT 1 – For Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics.

  • English/Verbal: 30%, Analytical: 30%, Quantitative Reasoning: 40%

• HAT 2 – For Management Sciences and Business Education.

  • English/Verbal: 30%, Analytical: 40%, Quantitative Reasoning: 30%

• HAT 3 – For Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology (Clinical & Applied), and Law.

  • English/Verbal: 40%, Analytical: 35%, Quantitative Reasoning: 25%

• HAT 4 – For Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences, Biological & Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education, Media & Mass Communication.

  • English/Verbal: 40%, Analytical: 30%, Quantitative Reasoning: 30%

• HAT-General – For Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates).

  • English/Verbal: 40%, Analytical: 30%, Quantitative Reasoning: 30%

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements for the HAT:

• Candidates must have completed 16 years of education or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

• The test is specifically for candidates applying for Commonwealth, Chinese Government, or other HEC Scholarships for MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D./Doctoral programs.

• Candidates must register online through the HEC ETC portal within the specified dates.

• A valid CNIC or B-Form is required for registration.

• Candidates must carefully select the test category that best matches their subject or area of specialization. Once selected, the category cannot be changed later.

Scholarships

The HAT is a prerequisite for application to several prestigious scholarship programmes:

• Commonwealth Scholarships – Fully funded scholarships for Master's and PhD studies in the United Kingdom.

• Chinese Government Scholarships – Comprehensive scholarships for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in China.

• Other HEC Scholarships – Including various bilateral and multilateral scholarship programmes for MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D./Doctoral studies.

Qualifying Score and Validity:

• 60 out of 100 will be considered as a qualifying HAT score.

• The test scores will be valid for two (02) years.

For more information on HEC scholarship opportunities, you can also explore latest admissions in Islamabad .

Important Dates

• Registration Opens: Sunday, July 19, 2026

• Registration Closes: Monday, August 3, 2026 (24:00 hours)

• Test Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026

• Test Mode: Conducted in major cities of Pakistan on a quarterly basis.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Follow these steps to complete your registration:

1. Visit the official HEC ETC registration portal at etc.hec.gov.pk .

2. Create an account or log in to the system.

3. Select the appropriate test category (HAT 1, 2, 3, 4, or HAT-General) that matches your subject area.

4. Fill out the online registration form with accurate personal and academic details.

5. Upload a scanned copy of your CNIC or B-Form.

6. Carefully verify your personal details (Name, CNIC number, Cell number, email address, etc.) before submission.

7. Submit the application. Only "Submitted" applications will be considered. Applications left in "Save" or "Incomplete" mode will not be entertained.

8. Pay the test fee through 1Link/Bill Invoice payment services using the generated consumer number.

9. After depositing the fee, click on "Verify Online Payment" on the ETC Dashboard.

10. Download your Roll Number Slip from the portal one week before the test date. It will also be sent to your registered email.

11. On the test day, bring a printout of the Roll Number Slip and your Original CNIC/Passport to the test centre.

Important Instructions

• Mobile phones and electronic devices (calculating, recording, communication, or imaging devices) are not allowed inside the test centre.

• Taking, uploading, or sharing images of the question book is strictly prohibited and is an offence liable to punishment as per ETC policy.

• Candidates applying with an incorrect CNIC (even a single-digit difference) or using the CNIC of parents, siblings, relatives, or any other individual will not be permitted to sit in the test.

• The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Test Centre will not be changed after registration. However, ETC may assign another test centre if minimum 250 applicants are not available in the selected centre.

Apply Link

Apply Now for HEC HAT for Scholarships 2026