HEC Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2025 – Admission in MS/M.Phil. & PhD Programmes
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan through the Education Testing Council (ETC) has announced the schedule for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2025. The test is mandatory for students who wish to seek admission in MS/M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in public and private universities of Pakistan that accept HAT scores. It is also valid for the award of HEC Scholarships.
Who Can Apply for HAT?
The following candidates are eligible to apply:
- Students interested in admission to MS/M.Phil. and PhD programmes in Pakistani universities.
- Those who have already applied for admission or HEC scholarships via the HEC E-Portal.
- Candidates who plan to apply for future HEC scholarships.
HAT Categories & Test Pattern
HAT is conducted in five categories based on academic background (16 years of education or equivalent). Applicants must select the category according to the university’s admission requirements or their own academic stream.
| Test Category | Disciplines | English/Verbal Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAT-1 | Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics | 30% | 30% | 40% | 100 |
| HAT-2 | Management Sciences, Business Education | 30% | 40% | 30% | 100 |
| HAT-3 | Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology (Clinical & Applied), Law | 40% | 35% | 25% | 100 |
| HAT-4 | Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Biological & Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education, Media & Mass Communication | 40% | 30% | 30% | 100 |
| HAT-General | Religious Studies (Madrasa Graduates) | 40% | 30% | 30% | 100 |
📌 Note: A score of 50/100 is considered the qualifying score, and HAT results remain valid for 2 years.
Test Schedule
- Last Date for Online Registration: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (24:00 hours)
- Test Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Frequency: HAT is conducted quarterly in major cities of Pakistan.
Any updates or changes in the test date will be announced on:
🌐 www.hec.gov.pk | 🌐 etc.hec.gov.pk
How to Apply for HAT 2025?
- Visit the HEC online portal: etc.hec.gov.pk.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Pay the test fee via 1Link/1Bill Invoice system using the generated consumer number.
- After payment, click Verify Online Payment on your ETC dashboard.
- Submit the completed application (applications in SAVE/INCOMPLETE mode will not be accepted).
📌 Important:
- Double-check details like name, CNIC, and contact number before submission.
- Applicants using CNICs of parents, siblings, or relatives will be disqualified.
- Roll Number Slips will be available for download a week before the test on the ETC portal and via email/SMS.
- On the test day, candidates must bring Original CNIC/Passport + Roll Number Slip.
Test Centre & Guidelines
- Applicants may choose a test centre from the available list.
- ETC reserves the right to shift applicants if a centre has fewer than 250 candidates.
- Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the test centre.
- Uploading, taking, or sharing images of the test is an offence under ETC policy.
Helpline & Contact
📞 051-111-119-432 | 📱 0334-111-9432
📍 Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sector H-9, Islamabad
🌐 etc.hec.gov.pk
Key Highlights
- Test Name: Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2025
- Purpose: Admission in MS/M.Phil. & PhD programmes and eligibility for HEC scholarships
- Valid For: 2 Years
- Passing Marks: 50/100
- Last Date to Apply: September 9, 2025
- Test Date: September 28, 2025
👉 Apply now for the HEC HAT 2025 and secure your admission in postgraduate studies and HEC-funded scholarships in Pakistan.
