Overview
Qudurat, the General Aptitude Test (GAT), is a Saudi Arabian test of analytical and reasoning ability. According to the official guide published by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC), it measures reading comprehension, recognising logical relationships, solving problems built on basic mathematical concepts, drawing conclusions and reasoning by analogy, rather than mastery of one school subject. Universities, colleges and other bodies that require the test receive results electronically.
Who can apply
The guide targets students in the second or third year of secondary school and secondary-school graduates from any track who plan post-secondary study, plus anyone applying to a body that requires the test.
Exam pattern
The test is multiple choice, offered on paper and digitally, in Arabic or English. It has five sections of 24 questions each, 120 questions in total, and takes 2 hours 5 minutes.
There are two versions, chosen by the candidate's field:
Theoretical version: for the Sharia track and the Business Administration track.
Scientific version: for the General track, the Health and Life Sciences track, and the Computer Science and Engineering track.
Each version has a verbal part and a quantitative part, with the following share of the test (theoretical / scientific):
| Part | Area | Theoretical | Scientific |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal | Verbal analogy | 21% | 17% |
| Verbal | Sentence completion | 13% | 7% |
| Verbal | Contextual error | 16% | 10% |
| Verbal | Reading comprehension | 25% | 21% |
| Quantitative | Arithmetic | 13% | 23% |
| Quantitative | Geometry | 8% | 10% |
| Quantitative | Algebra | not tested | 4% |
| Quantitative | Data interpretation | 4% | 8% |
Syllabus
The verbal part covers word relationships, completing short texts, spotting contextual errors and reading passages. The quantitative part covers arithmetic (including ratios, percentages, powers and roots, probability), geometry (shapes, angles, areas, volumes, Pythagoras, circles), basic algebra and reading charts, tables and Venn diagrams. The guide notes that these lists are examples, not a complete limit.
Marking and results
There is no pass or fail. Each candidate gets a score that the receiving institution weights in its own way. The guide says not to compare a GAT score with a secondary-school percentage, because each uses its own scale. It gives these reference points for position among all test takers:
| Score | Position |
|---|---|
| 81 or more | Top 5% |
| 78 or more | Top 10% |
| 73 or more | Top 20% |
| 70 or more | Top 30% |
| 65 | Average |
| 60 or less | Bottom 30% |
Paper-test results come about a month after the test; digital-test results come 3 to 5 working days after. Results are valid for five years, and a candidate has five attempts.
Fees
As listed in the ETEC guide in 2026, the fees in Saudi riyals (SAR) are:
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper test, early registration | 100 SAR |
| Paper test, late registration | 150 SAR |
| Digital test | 150 SAR |
| Test outside Saudi Arabia | 200 SAR |
Fees may change; confirm on the ETEC or Qiyas site before registering.
How to apply
Open a file in the registration system, then book a test date and venue that suit you. Registration requirements and dates are on the ETEC website. On test day bring the original approved identity document (not a copy), for example a national ID, a resident ID for non-Saudis, a paper passport or a Saudi driving licence. Work cards and university student cards are not accepted.
FAQs
How is the GAT different from the achievement test?
The guide says the GAT measures reasoning using language and mathematics, while the achievement test measures knowledge of specific school subjects.
Can I retake it?
The guide states that a candidate has five attempts.