HEC New Policy – Mandatory GRE/HAT Test for MS & PhD Admissions Fall 2026
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
Notification
Mandatory Conduct of GRE/HAT General & Subject Test through HEC-Education Testing Council (ETC) for Admissions to Graduate Programs (Level 7 & 8) from Fall 2026. HEC Notification: MS and PhD Admission Criteria Changed for Fall 2026.
In pursuance of ensuring quality assurance, transparency, standardization, and merit-based admissions in graduate education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has reviewed the existing admission practices for Level 7 and Level 8 programs and observed the need for a uniform and credible assessment mechanism at the national level. GRE/HAT General Now Compulsory for Level 7 & 8 Admissions in Pakistan.
Accordingly, the Competent Authority has been pleased to decide that, with effect from Fall 2026 admissions, all admissions to Level 7 (MS/MPhil or equivalent) and Level 8 (PhD or equivalent) programs in public and private sector Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) shall be based on the GRE/HAT General and relevant Subject Test conducted exclusively through the HEC’s accredited third body i.e., Education Testing Council (ETC) of HEC.
02. Accordingly, all HEIs are hereby advised to ensure compliance with the following:
i. Admissions to Level 7 and Level 8 programs from Fall 2026 onwards shall only be processed on the basis of GRE/HAT General and relevant Subject Test conducted through HEC-ETC.
ii. Universities shall not conduct independent admission tests in lieu of GRE/HAT General for eligibility determination for Level 7 and Level 8 admissions.
03. Consequently, the following provisions of the Graduate Education Policy (GEP)-2023 stand withdrawn with immediate effect from the date of issuance of this Notification:
- “Conduct a rigorous admission test as an eligibility condition for admission to MS/MPhil/Equivalent programs, with a passing score of 50%.”
- “Conduct the test equivalent to GRE/HAT General developed at the University, with the passing score of 60%.”
04. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(Signed)
(Shahzaib Abbasi)
Director (Coordination)
Distribution:
i. The Vice Chancellors/Rectors/Heads of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
ii. Executive Secretary to the Chairman, HEC
iii. Executive Secretary to the Executive Director, HEC
iv. All Divisions & Regional Centers of HEC
For enquiries, please contact Quality Assurance Division | 051-90402700
