HEC Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) 2026 Registration

Overview

The Higher Education Commission’s Education Testing Council (ETC) is conducting the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) for students seeking admission to undergraduate courses and programmes at Pakistani universities. USAT is also valid for one year for the award of HEC undergraduate scholarships.

Eligibility

• Students who have passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification involving 12 years of education may apply.
• Students who have appeared in the final HSSC or equivalent examination and are awaiting their results may also register.

Test Categories

Candidates may register in a category that matches their academic stream and the admission requirements of their intended university:

• USAT-A: Arts & Humanities
• USAT-COM: Commerce
• USAT-CS: Computer Science
• USAT-E: Pre-Engineering
• USAT-GS: General Science
• USAT-M: Pre-Medical

Once selected, the test category cannot be changed at a later stage. After qualifying in the relevant category, students will be eligible to seek admission to applicable universities according to their respective admission policies.

Important Dates

• Registration opens: Sunday, September 06, 2026
• Last date for online registration: Friday, October 02, 2026 (2359 hrs)
• USAT test date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Any change in the test date will be communicated through https://hec.gov.pk and https://etc.hec.gov.pk. ETC conducts USAT quarterly in major cities of Pakistan; later dates are available in the Test Calendar 2026 on the ETC website.

How to Apply

1. Register online through https://etc.hec.gov.pk.
2. Carefully verify personal information, including the candidate’s name, CNIC number and mobile number, before submission.
3. Complete and submit the application. Only applications marked SUBMITTED will be considered; saved or incomplete applications will not be entertained.
4. Pay the test fee through the 1Link/1Bill invoice payment services using the generated consumer number, then click Verify Online Payment on the ETC dashboard. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Candidates must register using their own CNIC and personal details. Applications submitted using a parent’s, sibling’s, relative’s or another person’s information will not be accepted. Queries should be resolved before registration closes through https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.

Roll Number Slip and Test-Day Requirements

The roll number slip will be available through the ETC portal and the candidate’s registered email address one week before the test. Candidates must provide a valid email address and active mobile number to receive test information.

A printed roll number slip and original CNIC or passport are required for entry. Candidates under 18 must bring their original B-Form and an original SSC/HSSC certificate carrying their photograph. Test centres must be selected from the available list during registration and cannot be changed afterward.

Mobile phones, calculators, recording or communication devices, and other electronic equipment are not allowed inside the test centre. A mobile phone or sharing images of the question book is strictly prohibited and may result in cancellation of the test and further action under ETC rules.

Contact

Education Testing Council helpline: 0334-111-9432, 051-111-119-432
Registration portal: https://etc.hec.gov.pk