Overview
- The Higher Education Commission directed all public and private universities to use GRE/HAT exams run by its Education Testing Council for MPhil and PhD admissions starting in Fall 2026.
- Universities are barred from holding their own entry tests or offering alternatives to the ETC exams for Level 7 and Level 8 programs.
- The revision scraps prior minimum score rules, including the 50 percent bar for MPhil-equivalent tests and the 60 percent bar tied to PhD equivalence.
- The policy follows a review under the Graduate Education Policy 2023 and carries approval from the competent authority, with Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmed confirming the change.
- HEC says the shift will standardize admissions and ensure merit and transparency, while the notice did not include schedules, testing capacity, or transition plans that applicants and campuses will need.