GAT Subject Test, Results, Admissions & Roll Number Slip Updates
Graduate Assessment Test Subject (GAT Subject)
The GAT Subject, formally called the Graduate Assessment Test GAT-SUBJECT, is conducted by the National Testing Service Pakistan for candidates seeking admission to PhD programs. NTS states that applicants need at least 18 years of education to appear in the test. A GAT Subject score remains valid for two years for admissions.
GAT Subject should not be confused with GAT General. GAT General is mainly used for MS and MPhil admissions, while GAT Subject is designed for candidates moving toward PhD-level study. Universities may also have their own admission conditions, so passing or obtaining a particular GAT score does not by itself guarantee admission.
GAT Subject Eligibility
NTS states that candidates with a minimum of 18 years of education are eligible to appear in GAT Subject. This normally means a candidate has completed the level of education required before entering a PhD program.
Candidates who want to improve an earlier GAT Subject score may also apply again. However, every university can set additional requirements for its PhD admissions, so candidates should check the admission rules of the university where they intend to apply.
GAT Subject Test Pattern
The GAT Subject paper contains 100 multiple-choice questions and has a total test duration of 120 minutes, or two hours.
NTS divides the paper into two major parts.
| Section | Weight |
|---|---|
| General Section | 30% |
| Subject Section | 70% |
| English / Verbal | 15% |
| Analytical Reasoning | 15% |
The 70% subject portion focuses on the candidate’s selected academic field. The remaining 30% general section is divided between English or verbal questions and analytical reasoning.
NTS describes GAT Subject as a paper-based test.
Which Subjects Are Available?
NTS publishes separate curricula or paper distributions for a wide range of disciplines. These include areas such as Arabic, agriculture, architecture, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, botany, chemistry and civil engineering, along with many other academic subjects.
Candidates should use the official NTS subject curriculum for their own discipline instead of preparing from a generic GAT Subject syllabus.
The exact subject list and curriculum can change, so check the current NTS GAT Subject paper-distribution section before preparing for a new test cycle.
GAT Subject vs GAT General
The distinction is simple but important.
| Test | Main Use | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| GAT General | MS / MPhil admission | 16 years |
| GAT Subject | PhD admission | 18 years |
NTS separately identifies GAT General for MS/MPhil programs and GAT Subject for PhD programs.
A student completing a bachelor’s or equivalent 16-year qualification should therefore not automatically assume GAT Subject is the correct test. The university’s admission notice should be checked first.
How Long Is the GAT Subject Result Valid?
NTS states that a GAT Subject result remains valid for two years for admissions.
This does not mean every university must accept the score in exactly the same way. Admission rules, required scores and departmental requirements may differ between universities.
Candidates should therefore check both:
- the validity of their NTS score, and
- the current PhD admission requirements of the university.
How to Register for GAT Subject
Registration is handled through the National Testing Service.
The normal process described by NTS is:
- Create or use your NTS online registration account.
- Complete your personal and academic information.
- Find the currently announced GAT Subject project.
- Select GAT Subject.
- Choose the available test-city preferences.
- Complete the application according to the current NTS instructions.
- Follow the current payment instructions shown for that specific test cycle.
- Keep checking the NTS website for candidate status, roll number information and test updates.
NTS advises candidates to provide correct personal and academic information because incomplete or incorrectly completed registration information may not be processed.
Important fee note
Do not rely on an old GAT Subject fee found in previous notices or old web pages. Registration charges can change between test cycles.
Check the active GAT Subject project on the NTS website before making payment.
Current GAT Subject Registration Status
As checked on 20 September 2026, NTS is listing Graduate Assessment Test GAT Subject 2026-VI among its open applications.
The official NTS open-project listing gives 19 October 2026 as the last date for application form submission.
Candidates interested in this cycle should verify all remaining details directly on the active NTS project page before submitting an application, particularly the test date, current fee and available test cities.
Roll Number Slip and Test Information
NTS states that roll number slips and result information are made available through its website. Its GAT Subject information also advises candidates to keep checking the NTS website for eligible-candidate lists, test venues and related updates.
For a specific test cycle, use the details attached to that project rather than relying on an older GAT notice.
GAT Subject Result
NTS publishes GAT Subject results for individual test cycles. Its results archive shows multiple GAT Subject examinations during 2025 and 2026, confirming that the test is conducted in recurring cycles rather than as one annual examination.
Candidates who have taken a test should check the NTS result system for their particular GAT Subject cycle.
NTS also provides facilities related to GAT result cards and paper rechecking.
Can GAT Subject Be Used for Recruitment?
Yes. NTS states that GAT Subject is primarily intended for PhD programs but the same test may also be used for recruitment of graduates.
That does not mean every employer accepts it. The recruitment advertisement must specifically state the test requirements.
What Candidates Should Check Before Applying
Before applying for GAT Subject, confirm four things:
- Your university or organization actually requires GAT Subject.
- You meet the required education level.
- You choose the correct subject or discipline.
- You follow the current NTS test-cycle notice rather than an old schedule.
This is especially important because GAT Subject dates, application deadlines, fees and test cities can change from one cycle to another.
Where to Verify GAT Subject Information
The National Testing Service website should be the main source for GAT Subject registration, schedules, curricula, roll number information and results.
Pakword is an independent education information website and does not conduct the test or issue GAT Subject results.
For changing information such as the next test date or application deadline, verify the current NTS project before taking action.