HEC HAT and USAT 2026 — Registration Open, Last Date 22 November, Test 13 December

Students planning university admission in 2027 now have a clear date to work towards. The Higher Education Commission (HEC), through its Education Testing Council, opened online registration on 8 November 2026 for two national tests, the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) and the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT). Both tests will be held on Sunday, 13 December 2026, and the HEC HAT USAT 2026 registration window is short, so candidates who need either test should apply before it closes.

This article brings together the confirmed details for both tests, and where a detail is unconfirmed, it says so instead of guessing.

What HAT and USAT Are For

The two tests share a registration window and a test date, but they serve different stages of higher education.

• USAT purpose: the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test is for admission to undergraduate degree programmes at universities that accept it.
• HAT purpose: the Higher Education Aptitude Test is for MS and MPhil admissions, PhD admissions, and HEC scholarships.
• One window: registration for both tests opened on 8 November 2026, and both tests will be held on 13 December 2026.
• Check first: candidates should confirm which test, if any, their chosen university or scholarship programme requires before applying.

USAT Categories and Who Can Apply

USAT has six categories, and each candidate picks the one that matches the field they plan to study.

• USAT-A: Arts and Humanities.
• USAT-COM: Commerce.
• USAT-CS: Computer Science.
• USAT-E: Pre-Engineering.
• USAT-GS: General Science.
• USAT-M: Pre-Medical.
• Eligibility: students who have passed HSSC, or are awaiting their HSSC result, are eligible.

HAT Categories and Who Can Apply

HAT is the test for postgraduate study, with five categories matched to the candidate’s discipline.

• Five categories: HAT is offered in five categories, namely HAT 1, HAT 2, HAT 3, HAT 4 and HAT-General.
• MS and MPhil admissions: HAT is used for admission to MS and MPhil degree programmes at universities that require it.
• PhD admissions: HAT is also used for admission to PhD programmes at universities that require it.
• HEC scholarships: HAT scores are used for HEC scholarship schemes, so applicants should check which category their scheme requires.

How to Apply Online

Registration for both tests is online only, through the Education Testing Council portal.

• Official portal: applications are submitted at etc.hec.gov.pk, the official portal of the Education Testing Council.
• Fee payment: the test fee is paid through the 1Link and 1Bill payment channels, as directed on the portal.
• Fee amount: the exact fee has not been confirmed in the published reports, so candidates should check the current fee on the portal before paying.
• Roll number slips: after registration, candidates download their roll number slips from the portal, which carry the test centre and timing.

Qualifying Score and Validity

Both tests use the same passing standard, and a qualifying score stays useful for two years.

• Qualifying score: the qualifying score for both HAT and USAT is 50 out of 100 marks.
• Two-year validity: a qualifying score remains valid for two years, so it can be used for admissions within that period.
• Both tests covered: the 50-mark standard and the two-year validity apply equally to HAT and to USAT.
• University requirements: qualifying does not by itself guarantee admission, since each university applies its own merit and admission criteria as well.

Before You Pay, Check With Your University

USAT is not compulsory for every university, so check before paying the fee.

• Not compulsory everywhere: USAT is not compulsory for every university, so it is not required for all undergraduate admissions in Pakistan.
• Check first: students should check whether their chosen university requires USAT before paying the fee.
• Same caution for HAT: postgraduate applicants should likewise confirm that their university or scholarship programme requires HAT, and which category, before applying.
• Portal as the source: where any detail is unclear, the official portal, etc.hec.gov.pk, is the place to verify it, rather than relying on social media posts.

Conclusion

The HEC HAT USAT 2026 timetable is clear: registration opened on 8 November 2026, closes on Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 24:00 hours, and both tests will be held on Sunday, 13 December 2026. USAT covers undergraduate admissions in six categories, HAT covers MS, MPhil and PhD admissions and HEC scholarships in five categories, and both need 50 out of 100 to qualify, valid for two years. Apply at etc.hec.gov.pk, pay through 1Link and 1Bill, and download roll number slips from the portal. Check with your university first, because USAT is not compulsory everywhere, and confirm the fee on the portal, since it is unconfirmed in the published reports.

FAQs

What is the last date to apply for HEC HAT and USAT 2026?
Registration for both tests closes on Sunday, 22 November 2026, up to 24:00 hours.

When will the HAT and USAT 2026 tests be held?
Both tests will be held on Sunday, 13 December 2026.

Where do I apply for HAT and USAT 2026?
Apply online at the official Education Testing Council portal, etc.hec.gov.pk; the fee is paid through 1Link and 1Bill.

What is the qualifying score for HAT and USAT?
50 out of 100 for both tests, valid for two years.

Is USAT compulsory for all universities?
No. Check whether your chosen university requires USAT before paying the fee.

CM Punajb

The editor of epdpunjab.pk, covering the Environment Protection & Climate Change Department, Punjab and the CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program 2026, with information verified from official sources.