One of the most frequent questions we receive at LAT360 is, "When is the next LAT exam?" Because the Higher Education Commission (HEC) does not release a fixed, rigid yearly calendar in January, students often feel lost and end up missing crucial registration deadlines.
However, the HEC follows a highly predictable pattern that aligns with the admission cycles of major universities across Pakistan. Here is exactly when you should expect the exams in 2026 and how the process works.
The Expected LAT Schedule for 2026
The HEC generally divides the year into four testing windows. Missing one means you simply have to wait for the next, but strategic students aim for specific windows based on their university targets.
| Testing Window | Registration Deadline | Primary Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
|
❄️ Jan / Feb
|
Mid-January | Students seeking Spring admissions or retaking a failed attempt. |
|
🌸 April / May
|
Late March / April | Fresh FSc/FA Part-2 students finishing board exams. (Highly Recommended) |
|
🍂 Aug / Sept
|
Early August | The "Last Chance" test for Fall admissions in major public universities (e.g., PU). |
|
⛄ Nov / Dec
|
Mid-November | Overflow test for late enrollments or private law colleges. |
Students seeking Spring admissions or retaking a failed attempt.
Fresh FSc/FA Part-2 students finishing board exams. (Highly Recommended)
The "Last Chance" test for Fall admissions in major public universities.
Overflow test for late enrollments or private law colleges.
Pro-Tip: Don't Wait for Your Results!
You DO NOT need your FSc/FA Part-2 results to appear for the LAT. You can appear on a "Hope Certificate." Since the LAT result is valid for 2 years, it is highly recommended to take the test early in the year before the chaotic university admission rush begins.
Eligibility & Registration Fees
Any student who has passed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent (FA, FSc, ICS, I.Com, A-Levels) is eligible. Furthermore, students who have appeared in their final exams and are awaiting results are also fully eligible.
The standard application fee is Rs. 1,800/-. This fee must be paid via the 1Link / 1Bill system using your banking app, JazzCash, or EasyPaisa. You must then verify the payment on the HEC ETC portal to complete your application successfully.
How to Get Your Roll Number Slip
The HEC does not send physical roll number slips to your home address via courier anymore. The entire process is digital.
- About 5 to 7 days before the actual exam date, the HEC will send you an SMS and an Email notification.
- Log in to your account at etc.hec.gov.pk.
- Click on the "Download Roll Number Slip" button on your dashboard.
- Print the slip. You must bring a printed hard copy to the exam center.
⚠️ The ID Card Rule
On exam day, you MUST bring your printed Roll Number Slip along with your original CNIC. If you are under 18 and do not have a CNIC, you must bring your Original B-Form AND your Original Matriculation Result Card with your photo on it. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted.
Never rely on social media rumors for exam dates. Stay prepared, so whenever the test is announced, you are ready to pass.