HEC HAT Test Online Registration 2026 Last Date

The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2026, conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, is intended for candidates applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship, Chinese Government Scholarship and other HEC scholarship programmes for MS, M.Phil., Ph.D. and doctoral studies.

According to the official advertisement, online registration will remain open from Sunday, July 19, 2026, to Monday, August 3, 2026, while the HAT will be conducted on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions covering English/Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, with the question distribution varying according to the selected HAT category.

Candidates must obtain at least 60 marks out of 100 to qualify, and the HAT score will remain valid for two years. Applicants should carefully select the category that best matches their academic discipline and the requirements of the relevant scholarship or university programme.

HAT Test Registration 2026 Date

• Registration Start Date: 17 August 2026
• Last Date for Submission: 9 September 2026
• HAT Test Date: 28 September 2026

HAT Test Registration Online

Online registration for the HAT 2026 will begin on Monday, August 17, 2026, and the last date to submit the application is Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Candidates must apply through the official HEC Education Testing Council portal at etc.hec.gov.pk.

Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should ensure that their application is complete and successfully submitted, as incomplete or saved applications will not be considered.

HAT Test Advertisement 2026

HAT Test Categories

• HAT 1 – Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics
• HAT 2 – Management Sciences, Business Education
• HAT 3 – Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology (Clinical & Applied) and Law
• HAT 4 – Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences, Biological & Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education
• HAT General – Commerce, Arts, Islamic Studies & Mass Communication, Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates)

Eligibility Criteria

Students who can apply for the HAT 2026 include:

• Those seeking admission in MS/M.Phil. & Ph.D. programmes in public or private universities that accept HAT scores.
• Applicants who already applied for HEC scholarships through the E-portal.
• Candidates who wish to apply for future HEC scholarships.
• The minimum qualifying score is 50 out of 100, and the result remains valid for two years.

HAT Test Registration Online

How to Apply

• Visit etc.hec.gov.pk and complete the online registration form.
• After filling in details, submit the application (incomplete forms will not be considered).
• Pay the application fee of Rs. 2000/- via 1Link/1Bill Invoice Payment using ATM, internet banking, or bank branch.
• Upload the required documents including CNIC, passport-size photograph, and paid fee challan.
• Download your roll number slip from the HEC ETC website once issued.
• Appear for the test at your selected test centre (subject to changes if fewer than 250 candidates choose a centre).

FAQs

What is the last date for HAT Test Registration 2026?
The last date for online registration is Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

When will the HAT Test 2026 be held?
The HAT Test 2026 will be conducted on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Who is eligible for HAT?

Candidates applying for MS, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programmes or those applying for HEC scholarships are eligible.

What is the passing score for HAT?

A minimum of 50 out of 100 marks is required to qualify.

How long is the HAT test result valid?

The score remains valid for two years.

Where can I register online for HAT 2026?

You can register via the official portal etc.hec.gov.pk.