The Higher Education Commission (HEC), statutory body formed by the government of Pakistan, has introduced a new selection process for awarding scholarships and admissions to MS/MPhil and PhD programs.

The Education Testing Council (ETC), operating under HEC, will conduct the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) to ensure a fair, accessible, and transparent evaluation of candidates.

The eligible candidates for this are individuals who have already submitted online applications for MS/MPhil and PhD admissions or HEC scholarships through the E-portal for further selection, and individuals planning to apply for future scholarship schemes, including those offered by HEC-sponsored Pakistani universities.

The applicants who are interested in securing admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programs in both public and private universities across Pakistan may take the test.

HAT Categories

The HAT will be conducted in five different categories, aligned with the applicants’ academic backgrounds and educational levels.

Candidates should register for the appropriate category based on their academic stream.

The test categories and their respective disciplines are as follows:

1. HAT 1: Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics

2. HAT 2: Management Sciences, Business Education

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

4. HAT 4: Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences, Biological & Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education, Media & Mass Communication

5. HAT-General: Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates)

The HAT scores will remain valid for two years for scholarships and admissions to MS/MPhil and PhD programs. Applicants must select the correct category while filling out the online registration form.

The HAT is scheduled to take place on May 26, 2024, tentatively. Any changes to the test date will be communicated through the official websites of HEC and ETC.

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Application Process

Applicants who register through the HEC online registration process will be able to download their Roll Number Slips from the official website and their registered email address one week before the test date.

Registered applicants will also receive email and SMS notifications regarding the test date, time, and venue. Candidates should provide valid email/mobile numbers while filling out the application form to receive the Roll Number Slips.

Requirements on Test Day:

On the day of the test, candidates must bring a printout of their Roll Number Slip and their original CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) to enter the Test Center.

How to Apply:

For online registration, visit the HEC official website.

In case of any difficulties during the registration process, refer to the online help portal.

Only submitted applications will be considered for the HAT, while applications in save or incomplete mode will not be entertained.

The test fee of Rs. 2000/- must be deposited through participating banks, ATMs, internet banking, or mobile banking services such as Easypaisa, JazzCash, or Upaisa.

Fee Verification and Important Notes

After depositing the fee, candidates should click on “Verify Online Payment” on the ETC Dashboard.

It is crucial to note that the test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Candidates should resolve any queries or complaints before the closure of the web registration portal, as the system does not allow handling them beyond the registration deadline due to logistics and security reasons.

Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile devices or any electronic devices capable of calculating, recording, or imaging into the test center.

Uploading or sharing images of the question book is also strictly forbidden and considered an offense under ETC rules.

The deadline for online registration is May 8, 2024.