ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

TESTING CENTER

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE GRADUATE ADMISSION TEST (GAT)

Candidates who have a plan to join the Addis Ababa University post graduate programs in any field of study are required to take and pass the Graduate Admission Test (GAT).  To register for the test, candidates are advised to carefully read, understand and use the following information.

  1. What is GAT?

The GAT is a three hour multiple choice questions (MCQ), computer-based general aptitude test designed for the purpose of screening candidates who wish to pursue their post graduate studies at Addis Ababa University. The test measures the cognitive abilities of candidates with emphasis on high academic abilities and talents such as understanding, analyzing, synthesizing, problem solving, critical thinking and the ability to use and evaluate information. More specifically, GAT measures analytical and logical reasoning abilities candidates. The 125 MCQ test is composed of three sections: verbal reasoning (60 questions), quantitative reasoning (40 questions), and analytical reasoning (25 questions), that are needed to effectively engage in post graduate studies. Candidates with visual impairment are required to take verbal reasoning section only.

   2. What is the schedule for the GAT?

The GAT administration is scheduled in the months of February, March, April, May, July, August, November and December every year. Candidates are expected to register two weeks before the test date.

   3. How do candidates register for the GAT?

Candidates are required to register for the GAT at the Addis Ababa University GAT portal. The registration process is given below:

• Deposit 600 birr in CBE BIRR SHORT CODE Account Number 242424 in your cell phone (if you have CBE birr) or at any branch of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in candidate’s full name (Given name, Middle name, Surname) with the correct spelling.
• Register (one time only) to the GAT online registrationportal;
• Upload a recent photograph of the candidate in the online Registration Portal.
• Download and print the GAT Admission Ticket, which will be required to get admission to the testing hall (you must get a printed GAT admission ticket in order to sit for the exam).
• Follow the schedule which indicates the test date, place and time on the Addis Ababa University web site.

Note: Candidates with special needs requiring special provisions are advised to send their request through email address: ier.tc@aau.edu.et

    4. What is the test date, time and location?

GAT candidates’ name list together with information on test date, time and exam room location shall be posted on the Addis Ababa University’s website www.aau.edu.et.  Candidates are advised to click on List of GAT Candidates on the announcement posted at AAU website to view the information.

     5. How do candidates get their registration number?

Candidate registration number is available in the list of GAT candidates. Please keep note of the registration number for  use on the test date. Candidates who are not assigned registration number on the list can get the number from the invigilation staff. The registration number is the key in accessing the exam.

     6. Time candidates should arrive at their respective testing hall/location

Candidates are advised to arrive at their respective testing hall in time. Please arrive at the testing hall at 8:00am for the morning session and at1:30pm for the afternoon session.

      7. Required materials (ID, Admission ticket and pen)

• Candidates are required to have valid identification document bearing their full name and visible & recognizable photo clearly showing both ears and full face with no cover. Acceptable ID or identification documents include resident ID, passport, driving license, school ID, and employee ID).
• Besides, each test taker has to download and print GAT Admission Ticket with photo on it and bring it the testing hall along with the identification document. Candidates that do not have identification document and GAT admission ticket will not be admitted to the testing hall.
• Candidates should bring their own pen and the testing center will provide scratch papers for any calculations.

     8.Prohibited behavior and materials during testing

• Using mobile phones, cameras, alarm watches, headsets and any other electronic devices are strictly forbidden during testing. Candidates are advised to switch off their mobile phones and keep them in the bags at a designated place in the testing hall
• Calculators that access internet, have wireless Bluetooth, have audio/video functions or other functions that facilitate communication are not allowed during testing. However, standard calculators are allowed.
• Any materials such as notes, pamphlets, blank papers, etc; are not allowed during testing.
• Unacceptable behavior such as cheating, taking the test for someone else, making noise and disturbing other candidates are strictly forbidden.
• Candidates found in breach of the examination rules will be dismissed immediately and their scores are cancelled and their names shall be included in the black-list so that they won’t be allowed to sit for any test at the Addis Ababa Testing Center in the future.

      9. How do candidates know their GAT results?

• Candidates can view their GAT raw scores on each of the three sections and the total score at the end of the three hours time allocated for the test. The raw scores are converted into standard scores and percentile rank which is reported as GAT result of candidates and posted on the notice board of the Institute of Educational Research, Testing Center within two days after the test date. Besides, candidates will be able to view their results in the AAU website (portal.aau.edu.et)

       10. What is the passing percentile rank?

• The passing percentile rank for candidates that apply for master’s program is 30 and above whereas applicants for PhD programs are required to get percentile rank of 40 and above.
• Passing in GAT makes candidates eligible to apply for post graduate programs; it does not guarantee admission to any program.

       11. For how long is GAT result valid?

The GAT results are valid for two years for admissions. Candidates that are accepted and registered for any post graduate program are required to take the test again if they intend to change their study program and get admission to new program.

       12. How often can candidates take GAT in one academic year?

Candidates who could not get passing result in GAT can take the test up to three times in a year after the laps of three months following the last test. Such candidates need to pay the GAT registration fees for every test.