Overview
The Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) is run by the National Testing Service (NTS) in Pakistan for postgraduate admissions. GAT General is used for MS and MPhil programmes. GAT Subject is used for PhD programmes, and NTS says the same test may be used to recruit graduates. Candidates must also meet the separate criteria of the university they apply to. A GAT result is valid for two years.
Levels or stages
GAT General
For MS and MPhil. Candidates need at least sixteen years of education. The test has 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes. It comes in four categories, chosen by the candidate's field of study, with different weights for each reasoning area.
| Category | Fields | Verbal | Quantitative | Analytical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAT-A | Business and engineering | 35% | 35% | 30% |
| GAT-B | Arts, humanities and social sciences | 50% | 30% | 20% |
| GAT-C | Agriculture, veterinary, biological and related sciences | 45% | 35% | 20% |
| GAT-D | Religious studies, for candidates from a madrassa background with HEC equivalence | 50% | 30% | 20% |
GAT Subject
For PhD. Candidates need at least eighteen years of education. It is a paper-based test of 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes. 30% of the paper is general ability, split evenly between English (verbal) and analytical reasoning, and 70% is on your subject. NTS lists curricula for over sixty subjects, from agriculture and architecture to zoology.
Marking and results
NTS schedules results on its website roughly one to two weeks after each test. NTS says candidates must also meet each university's own criteria. NTS also says candidates who want to improve a previous score may apply again.
Important dates
NTS publishes a schedule of sittings. For 2026, the sittings still to come are:
GAT General: 11 October 2026 (registration and late-fee window already closed on 27 September 2026), then 13 December 2026 (registration closes 7 December 2026).
GAT Subject: 15 November 2026 (registration closes 12 October 2026).
Fees
For the 2026 sittings, the NTS fee is Rs. 1,810 for GAT General (Rs. 2,510 with the late fee) and Rs. 2,210 for GAT Subject (Rs. 3,010 with the late fee).
How to apply
Register once on the NTS online portal, upload a recent photograph, apply for the GAT sitting listed there, and pay the fee using the deposit slip generated on the portal. Choose a primary and secondary test city. Roll number slips and result cards are issued on the portal.
Preparation tips
Weight your practice by your category: for example, GAT-B puts half the paper on verbal reasoning.
For GAT Subject, study the NTS curriculum for your subject, which carries 70% of the paper.
Do not bring mobile phones, calculators or watches with calculators to the centre.
How long is a GAT score valid?
Two years, according to NTS.