If you missed the October HAT or want to improve your score, the next chance is Sunday 13 December 2026. Registration opens on 8 November. Here is everything you need to know.
December 2026 HAT dates
| What | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Sunday 8 November 2026 |
| Registration closes | Sunday 22 November 2026 |
| HAT test day | Sunday 13 December 2026 |
| Result expected | Around January 2027 (tentative) |
These dates are from the official HEC test calendar. Registration closes on 22 November, so do not wait until the last day. The portal gets slow when many students apply at the same time.
How to register for HAT December 2026
- Go to etc.hec.gov.pk and log in. If you do not have an account, make one first with your CNIC and a working email.
- Click "Apply for Test" from your dashboard.
- Select HAT as the test type.
- Select the December 2026 session.
- Choose your HAT category — HAT-I, II, III or IV (see below if you are not sure which one).
- Choose your test city. Pick the city closest to you.
- Pay the registration fee online through the portal.
- Submit your application and save the confirmation page.
After registration closes, HEC generates your roll number slip. Download it from the same portal before the test day.
Which HAT category should you pick?
| Category | For students in |
|---|---|
| HAT-I | Engineering, Computer Science, IT |
| HAT-II | Business, MBA, Management Sciences, Economics |
| HAT-III | Arts, Social Sciences, Law, Languages, Education |
| HAT-IV | Medical, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Biological Sciences |
Pick the category that matches the field you want to do MS or MPhil in. If you are not sure, check with your target university first. Each university specifies which HAT category they accept for each program.
Can you retake HAT to improve your score?
Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can take HAT. Your HAT score is valid for 2 years, so if your October 2026 score was good enough, you do not need to retake. But if you scored below 50, or want a higher score for PhD or a competitive university, register for December.
Read our HAT retake guide to know what to focus on between now and December.
USAT is also in December 2026
The USAT December 2026 test is on the same day: Sunday 13 December 2026, with the same registration window. If you need USAT for undergraduate admission, register at the same time. See our December 2026 USAT and HAT post for USAT details.
Is there a HAT after December 2026?
The 2026 test calendar ends with the December test. HEC has not confirmed dates for 2027 yet. Watch the HEC test calendar page for updates. HEC has also said it will run the HAT itself starting 2027, so the process may change slightly.
Common questions
When is the next HAT test after October 2026?
The next HAT is on Sunday 13 December 2026.
When does HAT December 2026 registration open?
Registration opens on 8 November 2026 and closes on 22 November 2026.
How do I register for HAT December 2026?
Log in to etc.hec.gov.pk, go to "Apply for Test", select HAT and the December 2026 session, choose your category (HAT-I, II, III or IV), select a test city, pay the fee, and submit.
Can I retake the HAT if I failed in October 2026?
Yes. There is no limit on HAT retakes. You can register for the December 2026 HAT from 8 November onwards.
What is the HAT registration fee?
HEC sets the fee and it is paid online during registration. The fee amount is confirmed on the ETC portal when you apply.