NTS GAT & NAT 2026: Test Dates, Application Deadlines & How to Apply

Universities across Pakistan require the NTS NAT for undergraduate admissions and the GAT for MS and PhD admissions. Here are the upcoming test dates from the NTS schedule and the correct way to apply.

By Muhammad Younus · Updated 25 Oct 2026 · 2 min read

Alongside job tests, the National Testing Service (NTS) runs the two admission tests that gate most university admissions in Pakistan: the NAT (National Aptitude Test) for undergraduate programmes and the GAT (Graduate Assessment Test) — GAT General for MS/MPhil admissions and GAT Subject for PhD admissions. Universities set their own minimum scores; NTS conducts the test and issues the result card, which stays valid for a limited period (one year for GAT General under the current policy — confirm the validity on the NTS website when you apply).

Upcoming test dates (from the NTS schedule)

The NTS open-applications page and schedules currently show the following upcoming rounds — always re-confirm on nts.org.pk before paying any fee, because NTS revises dates:

• GAT Subject (2026-VI): test on Sunday, 15 November 2026 — applications close 30 October 2026
• NAT-XI: test on Sunday, 15 November 2026 — applications close 26 October 2026
• GAT General (VIII) and NAT-XII: test on Sunday, 13 December 2026 — GAT General VIII applications close 30 November 2026

If you are applying for a university whose admission deadline falls in December or January, the November and December rounds are the last safe chances — a missed round can cost a full semester or year.

How to apply

• Open nts.org.pk and go to the test you need (NAT, GAT General or GAT Subject) under its open applications
• Check your category: NAT is taken by field of study at Intermediate level (for example pre-engineering, pre-medical, commerce, arts); GAT General is for candidates with at least 16 years of education, and GAT Subject requires 18 years in the relevant subject
• Fill the online form, pay the test fee through the 1Link 1Bill reference generated on your form (bank app, ATM, EasyPaisa or JazzCash), and keep the payment confirmation
• Where the test requires a posted hard copy, send the printed form with the deposit slip and documents to the NTS address on the form before the closing date
• Download your roll number slip from the NTS website before the test and carry it with your original CNIC on test day

Choosing when to appear

Appear when your target university's admission window requires the score — but not before you have prepared. GAT General tests verbal, quantitative and analytical skills at graduate level, and a prepared attempt scores far above a casual one. NAT candidates should revise their Intermediate subjects, since the test is built on them. One well-prepared attempt inside the validity window is worth more than two rushed ones.