HEC Finalises PhD Admission Test Frameworks for 48 Disciplines

HAT 2026 to introduce uniform, transparent and merit-based assessment for PhD admissions nationwide; test to be mandatory across Pakistan

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has taken a major step towards introducing a uniform, transparent and merit-based PhD admission system across Pakistan by finalising examination frameworks for 48 disciplines under the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2026.

HEC Chairman Dr Niaz Akhtar and vice-chancellors of various public and private universities attended the meeting, along with educationists, subject experts and international assessment specialists.

The meeting reviewed and finalised test frameworks for 48 PhD disciplines as part of efforts to introduce a standardised, transparent and merit-based assessment system for postgraduate admissions across the country. The ETC initiated work on HAT in May 2026 and is collaborating with subject experts from 48 subject committees to develop discipline-specific tests and Tables of Specifications. The initiative aims to ensure that assessment processes reflect contemporary academic content and the requirements of graduate-level research.

Addressing the meeting, HEC Chairman Dr Niaz Akhtar highlighted the importance of establishing a standardised, transparent and merit-based assessment framework for graduate admissions, particularly PhD programmes. He emphasised that a uniform national standard was essential for identifying and nurturing research talent across the country.

ETC Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Imtiaz Haider briefed participants on the objectives of the HAT programme and its implementation roadmap. He said that 89 subject committees had been constituted for the development of the tests, adding that the HAT would be mandatory for admission to PhD programmes throughout Pakistan.

Director of the Research Centre for Certification (RCEC), Cito Netherlands, and international assessment expert Dr Arnold J. Brouwer highlighted the significance of standardised testing for graduate admissions at the national level. He also discussed its role in strengthening the country's overall assessment system.

Faculty members from various universities shared their observations and recommendations to further improve the test framework. Following detailed deliberations, the examination frameworks for 48 PhD disciplines were finalised. Certificates were also distributed among participants at the conclusion of the meeting.