In the last 7 days before USAT or HAT, stop learning new topics. Do full timed papers, check every mistake, and keep the last 2 days light. On test day, bring your printed roll number slip, original CNIC and a ball pen, and leave your phone at home.
The USAT and HAT on 25 October 2026 are exactly 1 week away, and HEC has already generated the roll number slips. Here is the plan I would follow.
Day 7: download and print your roll number slip today
Do this first, before anything else. Log in to etc.hec.gov.pk, download your slip and print it. Check your name, CNIC, category and test centre. If anything is wrong, contact HEC at onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk today, not on Saturday night.
Day 6: do 1 full timed paper and mark your weak section
Sit at a table, set a timer and do 1 full paper like the real test. Then write down your score in each section. The lowest one is your focus for days 5 and 4.
Day 5: fix your weakest section with short practice sets
Spend most of today on that one section. For USAT, that is often maths reasoning. For HAT, it is often analytical puzzles. Read the explanation of every wrong answer.
Day 4: second full paper and essay practice (USAT)
Do another full paper. USAT students: also write 1 argument essay in 22 minutes and 1 story in 13 minutes. Our essay guide has a simple structure for both.
Day 3: third full paper, then revise your mistakes notebook
This is your last full paper. After it, go through every mistake you wrote down this week. This notebook is worth more than any book right now.
Day 2: light revision only, and plan your journey
- Revise vocabulary and formulas. Our 55 vocabulary words are good for a quick read.
- Find your test centre on the map and decide when to leave home.
- No full paper today. Rest your mind.
Day 1 (the night before): pack your bag and sleep early
Put everything from the checklist below in your bag tonight. Then sleep at a normal time. A tired mind loses more marks than one more hour of study can win.
Test day checklist
| Bring | Do not bring |
|---|---|
| Printed roll number slip | Mobile phone |
| Original CNIC or passport (B-Form and result card if under 18) | Smart watch |
| Black or blue ball pen (bring 2) | Calculator |
| A water bottle (if your slip allows it) | Bags with notes or books |
HEC says calculators and similar items are not allowed and will be confiscated. Follow the instructions printed on your own roll number slip, because they are the final word.
In the exam hall: 4 rules that save marks
- Reach 45 minutes early. Finding the room takes longer than you think.
- Do easy questions first in each section, then come back to the hard ones.
- Do not get stuck. If a question takes over 2 minutes, mark it and move on.
- Fill the answer sheet carefully with a ball pen. A bubble in the wrong row can cost many answers.
After the test, the result is expected around 16 November 2026. See all the dates in our USAT 25 October and HAT 25 October posts.
Common questions
What should I bring to the USAT or HAT test centre?
A printed roll number slip, your original CNIC or passport (B-Form and result card if under 18) and a black or blue ball pen.
Can I take my phone to the HEC test centre?
No. Phones, smart watches and calculators are not allowed, and HEC says such items will be confiscated.
Should I study new topics in the last week?
No. Use the last week for full timed papers, checking mistakes and light revision. New topics add stress without many marks.
How early should I reach the test centre?
About 45 minutes early, so you have time to find your room and settle down.