HEC policy allows GRE Subject as an alternative to HAT for MS and MPhil admission. But that does not mean every university accepts it. Here is what you need to know before choosing.
What HEC policy actually says
The HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023 says that for MS and MPhil admissions, universities must use either:
- HAT (Higher Aptitude Test, conducted by HEC/ETC), or
- GRE Subject test (conducted by ETS), or
- A university's own test — but only if it has at least 50% weight in the merit formula
The key word is "or". The university decides which test it accepts. HEC only says one of these must be used. So whether GRE works for you depends entirely on which university and department you are applying to.
GRE General vs GRE Subject: which one?
There are two types of GRE:
- GRE General: tests verbal, quantitative and analytical writing. Like HAT but broader.
- GRE Subject: tests knowledge in a specific field — Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology.
HEC policy says GRE Subject, not GRE General. But some universities accept GRE General for certain programs. Ask the university directly which GRE they mean.
HAT vs GRE Subject: a plain comparison
| Factor | HAT | GRE Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (local HEC fee) | ~$150–200 USD |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Higher, international standard |
| Where taken | HEC test centres in Pakistan | ETS centres (fewer cities) or online |
| Result validity | 2 years | 5 years |
| Accepted by | Most Pakistani universities | Selected universities only |
| Good if | Applying to Pakistani universities | Applying abroad AND using same score locally |
When does GRE make sense?
GRE makes sense if:
- You are applying to both Pakistani and foreign universities at the same time. One GRE Subject score can work for both.
- Your target Pakistani university specifically accepts GRE Subject and you already have a strong GRE score.
- You are in a field where the GRE Subject test is widely available and you want international recognition.
GRE does not make sense if you are only applying to Pakistani universities. HAT is cheaper, prepared for more easily with local resources, and accepted by all HEC-recognised universities.
How to find out if your university accepts GRE
- Check the university's official admission notification for the program you want.
- If it is not clear, email or call the admissions office directly and ask: "Do you accept GRE Subject instead of HAT for this program?"
- Get the answer in writing if possible.
Do not assume from older information online. University policies change. Confirm for the current admission cycle.
My advice
For most students applying only to Pakistani universities, HAT is the better choice. It is cheaper, easier to prepare for with local books and practice tests, and accepted everywhere. Take GRE only if you have a specific reason — like applying abroad at the same time or your dream university specifically asks for it.
If you need to prepare for HAT, see our HAT preparation resources guide and use our practice tests.
Common questions
Can I use GRE instead of HAT for MS admission in Pakistan?
Yes. HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023 allows GRE Subject as an alternative to HAT for MS and MPhil admission. Whether a specific university accepts GRE depends on that university.
Which GRE is accepted — General or Subject?
HEC policy refers to the GRE Subject test, not the GRE General test. The Subject test is specific to your field (like Biology, Psychology, Mathematics). Confirm with your target university which one they accept.
Is GRE harder than HAT?
GRE Subject tests are generally more difficult and more expensive than HAT. They are designed for students applying to graduate programs internationally. HAT is designed specifically for Pakistani MS admissions and is easier to prepare for locally.
How much does GRE cost compared to HAT?
HAT is conducted by HEC/ETC at a low local fee. GRE Subject tests cost around $150–200 USD and must be taken at an international test centre or online. HAT is much cheaper for most Pakistani students.
What if a university does not accept GRE?
If your target university only accepts HAT, you must take HAT. Always check with the university's admissions office first before deciding which test to take.