The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened registrations for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT), required for students seeking admission to MS, MPhil and PhD programmes across Pakistan. The test is also mandatory for candidates applying to HEC-funded local and international scholarship schemes.
According to the official announcement, the registration deadline is March 30, 2026, while the test is scheduled to be held on April 19, 2026. Candidates can apply through the HEC’s online portal.
Purpose of the HAT
The Higher Education Aptitude Test is used by universities and the commission to evaluate applicants for graduate and postgraduate admissions. It also serves as a key requirement for securing scholarships offered by HEC.
Students applying to institutions that accept HAT scores must complete the test as part of their admission process.
Registration process and timeline
Applicants are required to register online by submitting their details through the official HEC testing portal.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | March 30, 2026 |
| Test date | April 19, 2026 |
HEC advises candidates to complete their registration before the deadline to avoid any issues.
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