HEC/ETC USAT 2026 — Undergraduate Studies Admission Test for Pakistani Universities

Issuer: Higher Education Commission (HEC) — Education Testing Council (ETC). Purpose: Conduct of the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) for admission to undergraduate programmes in Pakistani universities and for one-year validity for HEC undergraduate scholarships.

Who can apply: Students who have passed Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent (12 years) or are appearing in final HSSC/equivalent examinations and awaiting results.

Registration window: Registration portal accessible from Sunday, September 06, 2026 until Friday, October 02, 2026 (23:59). Test date: Sunday, October 25, 2026.

How to apply: Register online at the ETC registration portal (https://etc.hec.gov.pk). Complete online application, generate invoice, and pay the test fee through the provided online payment methods. Ensure CNIC/former CNIC and application details match; candidates with discrepancies may be disallowed from sitting the test. After payment and processing, download the Roll Number Slip from the ETC portal.

Important notes: Universities will use the USAT score per their admission policy while preparing merit. USAT score may be used for admission across relevant universities and for allocation of some scholarships. Candidates must select the correct USAT test category that matches their chosen degree/discipline; category selection cannot be changed after submission. Mobile phones, electronic devices, or imaging devices are not allowed inside the test centre.

Contact & help: Education Testing Council Helpline: 0334-111-9432. Official portal & further information: https://etc.hec.gov.pk.