If this is your first HAT, knowing what to expect on test day removes a lot of stress. Here is exactly what happens — from arriving at the gate to finishing the paper.
What to bring
- Roll number slip — printed, not just on your phone. The invigilator checks it at the gate.
- Original CNIC or passport — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Pens and pencils — bring at least 2 of each. HAT uses an OMR sheet so you need a dark pen or pencil to fill circles.
- Eraser — for correcting mistakes on the OMR sheet.
Do not bring your phone inside the hall. Some centres have no storage for phones outside either. See our post on what to do about the no-phone policy.
Arriving at the centre
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Some centres close the gate 5 to 10 minutes before the test starts. Being late usually means you cannot enter.
When you arrive:
- Show your roll number slip and CNIC at the gate.
- Find your seat. Your seat number is usually on the roll number slip.
- The invigilator may check your CNIC again inside.
- Answer sheets (OMR sheets) and question papers are distributed after everyone is seated.
Inside the exam hall
HAT is a paper-based test. You get two things:
- Question booklet — the MCQ paper with all questions.
- OMR answer sheet — you fill in circles to mark your answers.
Write your name and roll number on both before the test starts. The invigilator will tell you when to begin.
How to fill the OMR sheet
Fill the circle for your answer completely and darkly. Half-filled or lightly marked circles can be misread by the machine.
- If you want to change an answer, erase the old circle fully before marking the new one.
- Do not use correction fluid (Tipp-Ex). Ask the invigilator if you are unsure.
- Mark one answer per question only. Two marks = zero for that question.
Time management on the day
HAT is 100 MCQs in 100 minutes — that is 1 minute per question on average. The trick is not to get stuck.
- If a question takes more than 60 seconds, skip it. Mark it on your question booklet and come back.
- Go through all questions once quickly, answering the ones you know. Then go back for the harder ones.
- HAT has no negative marking. Never leave a question blank. If you have no idea, guess.
- In the last 5 minutes, check that every question has an answer on your OMR sheet.
After the test
Submit your OMR sheet and question booklet to the invigilator. You cannot take the question booklet home.
The HAT result is usually announced about 3 weeks after the test. For December 2026 HAT, expect results in January 2027. See our HAT result check guide and our post on what to do after the HAT test.
The night before
Do light revision only. Sleep early. Prepare your bag the night before so you are not rushing in the morning. A tired brain makes more mistakes than an underprepared one. For a full day-before plan, see our 7-day test checklist.
Common questions
What should I bring to the HAT test?
Your printed roll number slip, original CNIC or passport, and pens or pencils. No phone inside the hall. Check your slip for any centre-specific instructions.
How early should I arrive at the HAT test centre?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time. Some centres start entry earlier. Being late can mean not being allowed in.
Is HAT a paper-based or computer-based test?
HAT is paper-based (OMR sheet). You fill circles on an answer sheet with a pen or pencil.
Can I leave the test hall early?
This depends on the centre's rules. Most HAT centres do not allow early exit once the test starts. Focus on using all available time.
What happens if I make a mistake on the OMR sheet?
Fill carefully. Correction fluid is usually not allowed. If you need to change an answer, erase fully with a good eraser or cross out cleanly. Ask the invigilator for guidance if unsure.