The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened online registration for the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) 2026, scheduled for December 13 across Pakistan. Students can submit their applications until November 22, 2026.
The test is being conducted by HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC) for students seeking admission to undergraduate degree programmes at Pakistani universities.
Candidates who have completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification representing 12 years of education are eligible to apply. Students who have appeared in their final HSSC examinations and are awaiting results can also register.
HEC will conduct USAT in six categories for students from different academic backgrounds. These include USAT-A for Arts and Humanities, USAT-COM for Commerce, USAT-CS for Computer Science, USAT-E for Pre-Engineering, USAT-GS for General Science, and USAT-M for Pre-Medical students.
Applicants must select the category that matches their academic background and intended degree programme, while also considering the admission requirements of their chosen university.
The minimum qualifying score is 50 marks out of 100, and USAT results will remain valid for two years. Students can use their scores for undergraduate admissions and HEC scholarship applications, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
However, passing the test does not guarantee admission, as universities will assess candidates according to their own merit criteria and admission policies.
Interested students can register through the official HEC ETC portal. Applicants must create an account or log in, complete their personal and academic details, select the relevant USAT category, and submit the application.
The test fee must be paid through the 1Link/1Bill invoice payment service using the consumer number generated by the portal. After payment, candidates must verify the transaction through the Verify Online Payment option on their ETC dashboard. Incomplete or draft applications will not be accepted.
