Hundreds of students are reporting the same problems right now: slip not showing in the ETC portal, error page when downloading, and no phone arrangement at test centers. Here are straight answers to every question students are asking in groups.
Problem 1: Slip not showing on the portal
Many students got an SMS from HEC saying their slip is ready, but when they log in to etc.hec.gov.pk, nothing shows. Or they get an error every time they click download. This is a server load problem. A lot of students are trying to download at the same time, and the portal slows down.
Here is what to try:
- Clear your browser cache. In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete and clear "Cached images and files".
- Try a different browser. If you use Chrome, try Firefox or Edge.
- Open the portal in incognito/private mode.
- Try very early in the morning, around 5am or 6am, when fewer students are online.
- Log out completely and log back in.
If none of this works by 22 October 2026, contact HEC directly (see below).
Where to complain to HEC about your slip
HEC has a helpdesk for ETC problems. Use these:
- Email: etc@hec.gov.pk — write your full name, CNIC number and registration ID in the email. Keep it short and clear.
- Phone: 051-111-119-432 — call during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
When you email, write something like: "I registered for HAT on 25 October 2026. My CNIC is XXXXX-XXXXXXX-X and my registration ID is XXXXX. I received an SMS that my slip is ready but it is not showing on the portal. Please help." Short and to the point works best.
Problem 2: No phone collection at the test center
HEC does not allow phones inside the exam hall. The roll number slip for October 2026 says no arrangement for phone collection at the center. This is causing worry for students who travel alone by public transport.
What you can do:
- Bring a family member or friend. They wait outside while you take the test.
- If you drive, lock the phone in your car before going inside.
- If you travel by public transport alone, message in student groups from your city and find someone going to the same center. You can help each other.
- Some students leave the phone at a nearby shop or tea stall near the center and pick it up after. This is risky but some do it.
HEC has not announced any phone booth arrangement for October 2026. Do not assume one will be there. Plan before you go.
Problem 3: Can you change your exam time slot?
One student asked because they are coming from another city and got the 8am slot. HEC does not change time slots after slips are issued. You can email etc@hec.gov.pk and explain your situation, but the honest answer is they rarely change it.
The safe plan: travel the evening before and stay near the test center. A late journey on the same day is too risky if your slot is 8am.
Problem 4: Old HAT result and the Commonwealth Scholarship
Some students have a previous HAT result that does not meet the required 60 out of 100 for the Commonwealth Scholarship. They are confused about what to write in the application where it asks "Do you have a HAT result?"
Write Yes and enter your current result. Do not leave it blank. HEC will automatically attach your new 25 October 2026 result to your application when it comes out on or around 16 November 2026. Leaving it blank may cause a problem with your form.
Failed HAT? Here is what to do next
If you took the HAT recently and did not pass, you can retake it. The next HAT is on Sunday 13 December 2026. Registration opens on 8 November 2026.
If your university requires HAT for MS or MPhil admission, talk to the admission office directly. Some universities have flexibility in how they process applications while you retake. Ask them clearly: can you start the admission process now and submit the HAT result later? Get it in writing if they say yes.
Also check which HAT category your program requires. HAT has 4 types: HAT-I (Engineering and Computer Science), HAT-II (Business and Management), HAT-III (Arts, Social Sciences and Law), HAT-IV (Medical and Health Sciences). Make sure you register for the right one next time.
See our full post on the December 2026 HAT and USAT for registration dates.
One more thing: HAT in 2027
HEC has confirmed it will conduct the HAT test itself starting 2027, instead of through universities. The process will change. We will post more details when HEC makes an official announcement. Keep an eye on the HEC test calendar page.
Common questions
My HAT roll number slip is not showing on the ETC portal. What do I do?
Clear your browser cache and try again. Use a different browser or open the portal in incognito mode. If it still does not show, email etc@hec.gov.pk with your CNIC and registration ID.
Where do I complain about my HAT slip not downloading?
Email etc@hec.gov.pk with your full name, CNIC number and registration ID. You can also call the HEC helpdesk at 051-111-119-432 during office hours.
I got an SMS from HEC but my slip is not in the portal. Is this normal?
Yes, many students are facing this. The SMS means HEC generated the slip, but the portal is slow because too many students are logging in at the same time. Try again after a few hours or early in the morning.
Can I change my HAT exam time slot?
HEC does not normally change time slots after slips are issued. You can email etc@hec.gov.pk and explain your situation, but there is no guarantee.
My test center has no phone collection desk. What do I do?
Bring a family member or friend who can wait outside and hold your phone. Or lock it in your car. Do not take it inside the hall.
I have an old HAT result that is not eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship. What do I write in the application?
Write Yes and enter your current result. HEC will add your new 25 October result to your file automatically when it comes out. Do not leave the question blank.
I failed HAT-3 with 42 marks. The passing mark was 50. Can I retake?
Yes, you can retake HAT. The next HAT is on 13 December 2026. You should also talk to your university's admission office directly because some universities have flexibility in how they count the HAT.