The HEC HAT Registration December 2026 is now open, and students who want admission to MS, MPhil and PhD programmes in Pakistani universities — or who want to apply for HEC scholarships — can register through the official Education Testing Council (ETC) portal. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) announced the December test cycle on 8 November 2026, and the last date to register is 22 November 2026. The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) will be held on 13 December 2026. This guide explains the test, the categories, the eligibility, the fee payment method and the step-by-step registration process.
HEC HAT December 2026: registration closes 22 November 2026, test on 13 December 2026, apply through the ETC portal.
What Is the HEC HAT?
The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is the test run by HEC through its Education Testing Council (ETC) for admission to MS, MPhil and PhD programmes in Pakistani universities and for HEC scholarships. Universities across Pakistan accept the HAT score for graduate admissions, and a valid HAT score is required for several HEC scholarship programmes. The test is held several times a year, and the December 2026 sitting is the last HAT of this year.
The HAT is a 100-mark test. The qualifying score is 50 out of 100, and the score remains valid for two years. That means a candidate who qualifies in December 2026 can use the score for admissions and scholarships for two years from the test date.
Candidates should complete registration early and not wait for the last day, because the portal faces heavy load near the deadline. The last date, 22 November 2026, is a Sunday, and registration closes at midnight.
Who Can Apply for HEC HAT?
The HAT is open to students who want admission to MS, MPhil or PhD programmes and to candidates applying for HEC scholarships. The main conditions are:
Education: Candidates must hold, or be in the final stage of, the degree required for the MS, MPhil or PhD programme they are applying for. Universities set their own admission requirements, and the HAT score is one part of the merit.
Scholarship applicants: Students applying for HEC scholarships that require a HAT score must take the test in the relevant category.
Test category: Candidates must choose the HAT category that matches their field of study. Choosing the wrong category can make the score useless for the intended programme.
Documents: A valid CNIC is required for registration and must be carried on the test day, along with the roll number slip.
The HAT is offered in five categories, and each category covers a different group of disciplines. The categories are HAT 1, HAT 2, HAT 3, HAT 4 and HAT-General. Candidates must select the category that matches their discipline when they register on the ETC portal. The test paper in every category is built from three parts — English and Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning — with the share of each part depending on the category.
Students who are unsure which category fits their field should check the category guide on the ETC portal or ask the admissions office of the university they are applying to. A wrong category choice cannot be corrected after the registration is submitted.
HAT Test Pattern and Qualifying Score
Total marks: 100 marks.
Qualifying score: 50 out of 100.
Score validity: Two years.
Sections: English and Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Test day rules: Electronic devices are not allowed in the test centre. Candidates must bring their original CNIC and the printed roll number slip.
The HAT is a screening test. Qualifying in the HAT does not guarantee admission — universities apply their own merit criteria, interviews and departmental tests on top of the HAT score. But without a valid HAT score, a candidate cannot be considered for the programmes and scholarships that require it.
October 2026 HAT and the December Chance
The previous HAT sitting was held on 25 October 2026, and its result is due on 16 November 2026 according to the ETC test calendar. Students who took the October test and did not reach the qualifying score, or who missed the October sitting, can register for the December test. The December sitting is the last HAT of 2026, so students planning MS, MPhil or PhD admissions in the coming session should not miss it.
Students who already hold a valid HAT score from an earlier sitting do not need to take the December test unless their score has expired or their university requires a fresh score. The two-year validity means scores from late 2024 onwards may still be valid, depending on the exact date.
How to Register for HEC HAT December 2026
Visit the ETC portal: Open etc.hec.gov.pk and create an account or log in to your existing ETC account.
Select HAT December 2026: Choose the HAT test for the December 2026 cycle from the list of available tests.
Choose your category: Select the correct HAT category (HAT 1, HAT 2, HAT 3, HAT 4 or HAT-General) according to your discipline.
Fill in your details: Enter your personal, educational and CNIC details carefully. The details must match your CNIC and academic documents.
Pay the fee: Pay the test fee through 1Link or 1Bill using the payment channels given on the portal, and keep the payment receipt safe.
Submit before the deadline: Submit the application before 22 November 2026 (up to 24:00 hours). Late applications are not accepted.
Download the roll number slip: Download and print your roll number slip from the ETC portal when it is issued, and carry it with your original CNIC on the test day, 13 December 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong category: The most common mistake is choosing a HAT category that does not match the candidate’s field. Check the category guide before submitting.
Waiting for the last day: The portal slows down near the deadline. Register at least a few days early.
Wrong CNIC details: The name and CNIC number on the form must match the CNIC exactly, or the candidate may face problems at the test centre.
Missing the roll number slip: Candidates without the printed roll number slip and original CNIC are not allowed to sit the test.
Carrying a mobile phone: Electronic devices are prohibited in the test centre. Do not bring them.
Higher Education Commission (HEC), Education Testing Council (ETC)
Fee payment
Through 1Link / 1Bill as generated on the ETC portal
Conclusion
The HEC HAT Registration December 2026 is open until 22 November 2026, and the test will be held on 13 December 2026. Students aiming for MS, MPhil or PhD admissions or HEC scholarships should register now on etc.hec.gov.pk, choose the correct HAT category for their discipline, pay the fee through 1Link or 1Bill, and download the roll number slip before the test day. With a qualifying score of 50 out of 100 valid for two years, the December HAT is the last chance this year to secure a graduate admission test score.
FAQs
What is the last date for HEC HAT Registration December 2026? The last date to register online is 22 November 2026, up to 24:00 hours, through the ETC portal at etc.hec.gov.pk.
When is the HEC HAT December 2026 test? The test will be held on Sunday, 13 December 2026.
What is the qualifying score for HAT? The qualifying score is 50 out of 100, and the score is valid for two years.
How many categories are there in HAT? There are five categories: HAT 1, HAT 2, HAT 3, HAT 4 and HAT-General. Candidates must choose the category matching their discipline.
Where do I register for HAT? Registration is online only through the official ETC portal at etc.hec.gov.pk. The fee is paid through 1Link or 1Bill.
Shahzad Sahil is the editor of lahorejobs24.com, covering government jobs, private jobs, bank jobs, results and education news for Lahore and Punjab, with information verified from official sources.
