The HEC HAT for MS, MPhil and PhD will be held on Sunday 25 October 2026. Roll number slips are out now, so download yours from the ETC portal. This HAT is extra important this time, because it is the last HAT that counts for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027.
HAT October 2026 dates at a glance
| What | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closed | Friday 2 October 2026 |
| Roll number slip | Out now (generated by HEC) |
| HAT test day | Sunday 25 October 2026 |
| Result | Around 16 November 2026 (tentative) |
HEC changed these dates on 25 August 2026 so they match the Commonwealth Scholarship timeline. So if you saw a HAT date of 28 September somewhere, ignore it. There is no HAT on that date.
How to get your HAT roll number slip
- Log in to etc.hec.gov.pk with your registered account.
- Open your HAT application and download the slip.
- Check your name, CNIC and test centre carefully.
- Print it. HEC wants a printed slip and your original CNIC or passport at the centre.
Why this HAT matters for the Commonwealth Scholarship
If you want to do a Master's or PhD in the UK on the Commonwealth Scholarship, you need a HAT score of at least 60 out of 100. HEC says the 25 October 2026 test is the last HAT for the 2027 Commonwealth batch. If you take HAT after this, your score will go to the next year's batch.
The application deadline is 20 October 2026, before the test. That is fine. HEC adds your HAT result to your file by itself when it comes. But you still must apply on time. Read our full post on the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027.
Other HAT results already out
- HAT (MS, MPhil and PhD) held on 30 August 2026: result announced.
- Overseas Scholarship HAT held on 19 September 2026: result and answer key announced.
Update 19 October: students are reporting problems
A lot of students have posted in groups that they got an SMS from HEC but the slip is not showing in the ETC portal. Some are getting an error page every time they try. This is a common problem when many students log in at the same time. Here is what to do:
- Clear your browser cache and try again. Or use a different browser.
- Try early morning, like 5am or 6am, when the server is less busy.
- If the slip still does not appear by 22 October 2026, email etc@hec.gov.pk and write your CNIC number and registration ID in the email.
- You can also call the HEC helpdesk: 051-111-119-432.
No phone collection at test centers
Many students are worried because their roll number slip says no arrangement for phone collection at the test center. HEC does not allow phones inside the exam hall. But not every center has a phone counter outside either. My advice:
- Ask a family member or friend to wait outside and keep your phone with them.
- If you drive, lock the phone in your car before going in.
- If you travel by public transport alone, try to connect with another student going to the same center and help each other out.
HEC has not announced any phone booth arrangement for October 2026 centers. Do not rely on finding one there.
Can you change your time slot?
One student asked if HEC can change them from the 8am slot because they are coming from another city. The short answer is no. HEC does not allow time slot changes after the slip is issued. If you have a serious reason, you can email etc@hec.gov.pk and explain, but there is no guarantee. The safe option is to travel the night before and stay near the test center.
Commonwealth Scholarship: what to write if you have an old HAT result
Some students have an old HAT score that does not meet the Commonwealth requirement of 60 out of 100. They are asking what to write in the scholarship application. Write Yes for the HAT question and enter your current result. HEC will automatically add your new 25 October 2026 result to your application file once it comes out on 16 November 2026. Do not leave it blank, because that may cause a problem with your application.
My advice for the last week
Follow our 7 day plan and test day checklist.
HAT is all about speed. Most students know the answers but run out of time. So practice full HAT papers with a timer. After each paper look at which section took you the longest, verbal, analytical or quantitative, and do a short practice set only on that part the next day. Our analytical reasoning tips and HAT sample paper questions will help.
Missed the October HAT?
The next HAT is on Sunday 13 December 2026. Registration is from 8 November to 22 November 2026. See our December 2026 HAT and USAT post.
Common questions
When is the HAT test in October 2026?
HEC has confirmed the HAT (MS, MPhil and PhD) will be held on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Is the HAT roll number slip out?
Yes. HEC says the HAT roll number slips for the 25 October 2026 test have been generated. Download yours from etc.hec.gov.pk. Some students are getting an error or seeing a blank page — wait a few hours and try again. If it still does not show, email ETC at etc@hec.gov.pk with your CNIC number.
My roll number slip is not showing on the ETC portal. What should I do?
Many students got an SMS from HEC but the slip is not yet visible in the portal. This is a server load issue. Try again after a few hours or early morning. Clear your browser cache first. If it still does not appear by 22 October 2026, email etc@hec.gov.pk with your CNIC and registration ID.
Can I change my HAT exam time slot?
HEC does not normally allow time slot changes after the slip is issued. If you have a genuine emergency, you can email etc@hec.gov.pk but there is no guarantee. Plan your travel the night before if you are coming from another city.
My test center has no arrangement for phones. What should I do?
HEC does not allow phones inside the test hall and some centers have no phone collection desk. Arrange to leave your phone with a family member or friend who comes with you, or keep it locked in your vehicle. Do not bring it inside.
I have an old HAT result that is not eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship. What do I write in the application?
Write "Yes" for the HAT question and enter your existing result. HEC will automatically attach your new 25 October 2026 result to your file when it comes out. Do not leave that question blank.
When will the HAT October 2026 result come?
The HEC calendar gives the result date as 16 November 2026. It is tentative.
Is the 30 August 2026 HAT result out?
Yes. HEC has announced the result for the HAT held on Sunday 30 August 2026.
What HAT score do I need for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
HEC asks for at least 60 out of 100 in HAT-I, II, III or IV. The 25 October 2026 HAT is the last one that counts for the 2027 Commonwealth batch.