HAT-1 is the HAT category for Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Maths, Statistics and Physics. It has 100 MCQs: 30 verbal, 30 analytical and 40 quantitative. Maths has the most marks, so it should get the most of your time.
Who should choose HAT-1
Choose HAT-1 if you are applying for MS, MPhil or PhD in:
- Any engineering field (electrical, mechanical, civil, software and so on)
- Computer Science, IT, Data Science or AI
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Physics
HEC says you cannot change the category after you submit the form. If you are not sure, ask the admission office of your university which HAT they accept.
HAT-1 paper pattern
| Section | MCQs | What comes |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative (maths) | 40 | Percentages, ratios, algebra, speed, work, geometry |
| Verbal (English) | 30 | Synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, reading |
| Analytical (reasoning) | 30 | Puzzles, ranking, series, logic |
Where engineering and CS students lose marks
From what we see in our question bank, it is usually not the maths. Engineers are good at maths. The problem is:
- Analytical puzzles: 52% of our analytical questions are marked hard. Many engineers try to solve them in their head and make one small slip. Draw them on paper.
- Vocabulary: words like laconic, equivocal or perfunctory appear in HAT verbal. If English is your weak side, start learning words from day 1. Our 55 vocabulary words list is a good start.
- Speed without a calculator: HEC does not allow calculators. If you use one every day at work or university, practice mental maths again.
A simple plan for HAT-1
- Take 1 full HAT-1 paper with a timer and note your score in each section.
- Maths: do 20 timed questions a day. See our maths formulas and solved examples.
- Analytical: do 10 puzzles a day using the method in our analytical reasoning guide.
- English: learn 20 words a day.
- In the last 2 weeks, do a full paper every 2 days.
What score to aim for
The HEC Graduate Education Policy says 50% for MS and MPhil and 60% for PhD. For a good university and scholarships, aim for 60 or more. Read more in our HAT passing marks guide.
Common questions
Which subjects come under HAT-1?
Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Physics.
What is the HAT-1 paper pattern?
100 MCQs: 30 verbal (English), 30 analytical (reasoning) and 40 quantitative (maths).
What HAT-1 score do I need for MS Computer Science?
HEC policy asks for at least 50% for MS and MPhil and 60% for PhD. Top universities often want more for merit.
Is HAT-1 maths hard?
It is mostly Matric level: percentages, ratios, algebra, speed and work problems. The challenge is speed without a calculator.