By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: ReporterThe Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that GRE and HAT tests will be mandatory for all MPhil and PhD admissions starting from Fall 2026, introducing a unified national testing system for postgraduate programmes.
According to the new policy, admissions to both public and private universities will be based solely on GRE and HAT scores, marking a shift towards a centralised merit-based system.
The Education Testing Council will oversee GRE, HAT and subject-specific assessments under the revised framework.
HEC Chairman Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said the decision aims to ensure transparency and merit in higher education. He added that a uniform national assessment system will now be implemented across all higher education institutions in the country.
Under the new rules, all applicants for postgraduate programmes will be required to pass the centralised tests, and universities will no longer conduct independent admission tests for MPhil and PhD programmes.
Officials said the updated policy is designed to strengthen academic standards and ensure fair competition among candidates seeking admission to advanced degree programmes.
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