GAT General — Solved MCQs, Pattern & Preparation for MS/MPhil

GAT General — Graduate Assessment Test (NTS)

The Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) General is the test the National Testing Service (NTS) runs for admission to MS, MPhil and MBA programmes across Pakistan. Most universities require it, and the Higher Education Commission sets the pass mark at 50 out of 100. The paper has 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes: Verbal Reasoning 35, Analytical Reasoning 35 and Quantitative Reasoning 30, with no negative marking — so you should attempt every question. Your score stays valid for two years. This page gives you solved MCQs for all three sections, with the reasoning behind every answer, so you can build the three skills the test measures instead of memorising answers. Start with your weakest section, time yourself, and work up to full 100-question practice sets.

1. GAT General Pattern

Section	MCQs
Verbal Reasoning	35
Analytical Reasoning	35
Quantitative Reasoning	30
Total	100 MCQs, 120 min

Pass mark: 50 out of 100 (HEC mandatory). No negative marking. Score valid for 2 years. Pattern checked 8 Nov 2026 — confirm on the official NTS site before your test.

2. Solved MCQs — Verbal Reasoning

GAT General Practice Questions — Verbal, Analytical, Quantitative — 10 solved practice questions with answers and explanations.

Practice MCQs in the style of the GAT paper, from the official syllabus topics — these are practice questions, not real past-paper questions. The Verbal section tests vocabulary, analogies, sentence completion and reading comprehension: 35 questions. Build vocabulary daily and practise reading passages under time pressure.

3. Solved MCQs — Analytical Reasoning

The Analytical section tests logical thinking: statement-based questions, sequences, puzzles and deductive reasoning: 35 questions. Practise with timed sets and learn to eliminate wrong options quickly.

4. Solved MCQs — Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative section tests basic mathematics: arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios, averages and data interpretation: 30 questions. Revise your Matric and Intermediate maths and practise with a timer — the section rewards speed and accuracy, not advanced theory.

5. GAT Subject (PhD) — What Is Different

GAT Subject is for PhD admission and is subject-specific: 100 MCQs in 120 minutes, 70% subject questions, with a pass mark of 60 out of 100 (HEC mandatory). Your score stays valid for two years. If you are applying for a PhD, prepare from your subject's syllabus, not from the General test.

6. HAT vs GAT — Which One Do You Need?

Both tests are for MS/MPhil and PhD admission, but different universities and scholarships ask for different ones. GAT General (NTS): 100 MCQs, 120 minutes — Verbal 35, Analytical 35, Quantitative 30; pass 50 (MS/MPhil), 60 for GAT Subject (PhD). HEC HAT (HEC Education Testing Council): 100 MCQs, 120 minutes, no negative marking; pass 50 (MS/MPhil) and 60 (PhD). HAT categories: HAT-I Engineering/CS/Maths/Physics, HAT-II Management, HAT-III Arts/Social Sciences/Law, HAT-IV Agriculture/Biological/Medical/Education, HAT-General Religious Studies. Check your university's admission notice or your scholarship's requirements to see which test it asks for — HAT sections on this page are being added.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many questions are in GAT General?
A: 100 MCQs in 120 minutes.

Q: What is the passing mark?
A: 50 out of 100 (HEC mandatory).

Q: Is there negative marking?
A: No.

Q: What is the difference between GAT General and GAT Subject?
A: GAT General is for MS/MPhil (aptitude only); GAT Subject is for PhD and is 70% subject-specific, with a pass mark of 60.

Q: How long is a GAT score valid?
A: Two years.