The Higher Education Commission (HEC) along with the Education Testing Council (ETC) has announced the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) in order to provide scholarships and admissions in MS and PhD programs. This selection process aims to be uniform, accessible, and transparent.
The HEC aptitude HAT Test will remain valid for two years for admissions to both private and public universities in Pakistan, as well as for accessing scholarship opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
The HEC HAT Test is conducted twice every year for students seeking admission in MS/M.Phil and PhD programs.
It is mandatory for admission in both private and public universities, as well as for HEC scholarship opportunities.
Students who have applied or plan to apply for admissions and HEC scholarships at recognized colleges and universities in these degree programs are eligible to take the test.
- MS
- Phil
- PhD
HAT Categories to Apply for Test Based on Academic
The HAT Test will be organized in five different versions based on (16 Years) Master’s degree education, and students should register accordingly.
Test Pattern
| Test Category | Disciplines | English / Verbal Reasoning Test | Analytical Reasoning Test Breakup | Quantitative Reasoning Test Breakup | Total |
| HAT 1 | Engineering and IT, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics | 30 % | 30 % | 40 # | 100 |
| HAT 2 | Management sciences, Business Science | 30 % | 40 % | 30 % | 100 |
| HAT 3 | Arts and humanities, social sciences, Psychology and Law | 40 % | 35 % | 25 % | 100 |
| HAT 4 | Agricultural and veterinary sciences, biological sciences, medical science, physical science, Education, Media, Mass Communication | 40 % | 30 % | 30 % | 100 |
| HAT 5 | Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates) | 40 % | 30 % | 30 % | 100 |
HAT Test Exam Date Schedule
- The Last Date of Online Registration of HAT Test: 23 July 2024
- HAT Entry Test Examination will be held on date: 04 August 2024
- The Roll Number slip can be downloaded from etc.hec.gov.pk using the registered email address one week before the HAT Test Examination.
- HEC will also send the Email/SMS to the registered applicants regarding the test date, time, and location.
- Students must provide their valid mobile number and email address when filling out online application forms in order to receive their Roll number slip on time.
- On the day of the HEC HAT Test, students must present a printed copy of their roll number slip and their original CNIC/Passport before entering the test centre.
- The test centres list available at hec.gov.pk.
How to Apply Online?
Interested candidates can submit their online application forms through etc.hec.gov.pk.
If you encounter any issues during the registration process, you can reach out to HEC offices in following city centres:
- Islamabad
- Peshawar
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Quetta
- Bahawalpur
Alternatively, you can inquire via email at etc@hec.gov.pk or contact the HEC official helpline numbers 051-111-119-432 and 0334-111-9432.
It is important for applicants to choose the correct category when completing the online form.
Upon registration, all candidates are required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 500/- to Habib Bank account number 1742-79001334-01 or through a demand draft made out to Director General Finance, HEC. Applicants must present the original deposit slip or ATM transfer slip at the HEC office.
| HEC HAT Test Apply Online | Apply Online Here |
Download Past Papers and HEC Hat Test Syllabus 2024
Higher Education Aptitude test FAQs
Higher Education Commission HEC Announces the HAT Test, and it’s for higher education PhD M.Phil. And MS Programs.
The Valid score is minimum 50 marks out of 100 for HAT Test.
Yes, it’s for PhD, M.Phil And MS Degree.
HEC HAT test duration is one Hour (60 minutes)
Higher Education Aptitude Test
The HAT Test fee is Rs. 2000/- (Pakistani Rupees) per candidate.
The Total 100 marks for HAT Test and every Question have one mark and there is no Negative marking in HEC HAT Test Exams.
If any student unable to get passing marks are eligible to reappear in next HAT Test Exam.
If any student wants to apply for International Scholarships through, HEC are required to provide HAT Test Score. The students must have minimum 50 percentage passing marks in HAT or USAT to avail International or Stipendium Hungary Scholarships.
