Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently announced the registration schedule for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT). The test is conducted through the Education Testing Council (ETC) for the award of all HEC scholarships and for admission to MS/M Phil programs through a uniform, accessible, and transparent selection process. This move by the HEC is aimed at streamlining the admission process for students and promoting merit-based admissions across all universities in Pakistan.
Registration for the Higher Education Aptitude Test is open till May 10, 2023, and the test is tentatively scheduled for May 28, 2023. Candidates can apply for the test by visiting the ETC online registration portal at http://etc.hec.gov.pk. Any changes in the test date will be communicated through the HEC website and the ETC portal.
Who Can Apply for Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT)?
The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is open to candidates who have already applied online for any MS/MPhil admission OR HEC scholarships via the e-portal for the further final selection process. It is also open to those who intend to apply for the scholarship schemes advertised in the future, including those by HEC-sponsored Pakistani universities. Furthermore, candidates who are interested in securing admission in MS/M Phil programs in public and private universities of Pakistan can also apply for the test.
How to Apply for HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)?
The registration process for the Higher Education Aptitude Test comprises two steps. Firstly, candidates need to complete their profile using the “My Profile” section on the ETC online portal. Secondly, they need to submit their application using the “Higher Education Aptitude Test” links on the menu panel on the left-hand sidebar of the online portal. Only submitted applications will be considered for the test, and applications in SAVE or INCOMPLETE mode will not be entertained.
The test fee for HAT is PKR 2000/- per candidate, and the fee can be deposited in the Habib Bank Limited Account No. 1742 7900 1334 01. The title of the account is Higher Education Commission. Candidates can download the bank Fee Challan while registering for the test at http://etc.hec.gov.pk. (Fee challan is only available on the ETC online registration portal). All candidates are required to upload the submitted Fee challan, duly stamped by an HBL branch while completing the application form of the ETC online registration portal to submit the application.
It is mandatory to bring the original applicant copy of the deposit slip on the test day along with the Original CNIC/Original Passport; otherwise, the candidate will not be allowed to sit in the test. The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
In case of any queries during the online registration, candidates can visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk or visit HEC regional offices for guidance.
In conclusion, the Higher Education Commission’s announcement of the registration schedule for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is a significant step towards promoting merit-based admissions and streamlining the admission process for students in Pakistan. Candidates who are eligible for the test are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to pursue their higher education goals.
