GAT/PAT Thailand Exams: Guide for Teachers 2025 — KET
Thailand has been my home for 25 years since my first school in Chiang Rai. Over that time, I’ve watched countless students chase their dreams through the GAT/PAT, which includes the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Professional and Academic Aptitude Test (PAT).
These tests are the heartbeat of Thailand’s path to state universities, and I’m thrilled to share what they’re all about with you, especially if you’re new to this welcoming land.
What Are GAT and PAT?
The Gat/Pat journey began in 2009, when the GAT first welcomed students to test their skills.
Alongside the PAT, these exams open doors to universities like Chulalongkorn and Mahidol.
They’re held at test venues across Thailand, giving applicants a chance to shape their future.
The National Testing Family
The National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) crafts these tests, part of a broader system:
Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET)
Buddhism National Educational Test (B-NET)
Islamic National Educational Test (I-NET)
Non-Formal National Educational Test (N-NET)
Vocational National Educational Test (V-NET)
A Shift in 2023
Since 2023, the GAT has been renamed the Thai General Aptitude Test (TGAT), and the PAT has been renamed the Thai Professional Aptitude Test (TPAT).
The O-NET, once a requirement for students, became optional in 2022 and is no longer used for admissions purposes.
Why GAT/PAT Matters
The Gat Pat is key for state universities.
The General Aptitude Test assesses broad skills, such as English communication, while the Professional and Academic Aptitude Test examines specific fields, including science and engineering. Together, they make up 80% of admission scores.
Exam Schedule
From 2009 to 2010, Gat Pat tests were run three times a year.
In 2011, the GAT was administered only once, but since 2012, it has been administered twice, in October and March, at bustling test venues.
Who Can Take Them?
Only students aiming for state universities can apply for Gat Pat, which is a rite of passage for Thai teens who dream big.
The GAT Breakdown
The GAT—now TGAT—tests:
Critical thinking
English communication
Future-ready skills
The PAT Breakdown
The PAT—now TPAT—offers five paths:
Medical (science focus)
Liberal Arts
Science, Technology, Engineering
Architecture
Teaching
General Subject Tests
Beyond Gat Pat, there’s more:
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Mathematics (basic and advanced)
English, Thai, Social Studies
Foreign languages (French, Japanese, etc.)
How Long Do Scores Last?
GAT scores remain valid for two years, providing students with flexibility to apply.
Thailand’s University Scene
With over 170 universities, Thailand offers a blend of public and private schools.
More than half of its provinces have a Rajabhat or Rajamangala University of Technology, rooted in teacher training.
Top Universities
Some standouts:
Chiang Mai University: Northern pioneer in science.
Chulalongkorn: Research hub for engineering.
Mahidol: Medical leader.
University Rankings
Thai universities lag in QS rankings.
Chulalongkorn fell from 201st to 380th, and Thammasat sits at 600+.
Admission Rounds
The Thai University Central Admission System (TCAS) has four stages:
Portfolio: Show your origin and achievements.
Quota: For students beyond Bangkok.
Joint: Based on Gat Pat scores.
Direct: Universities set requirements.
The Student Struggle
Thai students pour their hearts into Gat Pat.
Late nights and extra classes are common, but not all qualify for top schools; some turn to pricier private universities.
A Teacher’s View
From Chiang Rai to Sukhothai, I’ve seen students sit these tests with hope.
Their scores shape their knowledge and futures.
FAQs on GAT/PAT
What is Gat Pat?
Gat Pat combines the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Professional and Academic Aptitude Test (PAT), which are gateways to state universities.
Is the PAT Test Hard?
The PAT can be challenging, especially in professional fields such as engineering or science. It demands deep knowledge.
What is the GAT General Ability Test?
The General Aptitude Test (GAT) gauges reasoning and English, a broad university aptitude test.
What is the GAT Exam in Thailand?
Since 2009, the GAT exam has been a cornerstone, testing students at test venues for university entry.
Final Thoughts
We hope this post has inspired and empowered you on your teaching journey in Thailand!
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Want to dive deeper or have questions?
Check out our related posts below, or connect with our community of educators making a difference in Thailand.
Let’s keep thriving together!
