HEC makes GRE, subject tests mandatory for MS and MPhil admissions from Fall 2026

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has made Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and relevant subject tests mandatory for admissions to MS, MPhil and equivalent degree programmes across the country from Fall 2026.

According to an official notification issued by the commission, the new policy will apply to all public and private sector universities offering Level 7 and Level 8 programmes.

The HEC said the decision had been taken to ensure quality, transparency, uniformity and merit-based admissions in higher education institutions.

The commission stated that existing admission mechanisms for Level 7 and Level 8 programmes were reviewed, following which it was concluded that a uniform and reliable assessment system was required at the national level.

Under the revised policy, admissions to MS, MPhil or equivalent programmes will be based solely on the Joint Research Entrance (JRE) test and relevant subject-based examinations.

The tests will be conducted through the HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC), according to the notification.

The commission directed all universities to ensure strict implementation of the new admission framework and comply with HEC instructions ahead of the Fall 2026 admission cycle.

Officials said the move is aimed at standardising postgraduate admissions nationwide and improving the overall academic quality of research-based higher education programmes in Pakistan.