In this study, $HfAlO_3$ thin films using gate insulator of MOSFET were etched in inductively coupled plasma. The etch characteristics of the $HfAlO_3$ thin films has been investigated by varying $O_2/BCl_3$/Ar gas mixing ratio, a RF power, a DC bias voltage and a process pressure. As the $O_2$ concentration increases further, $HfAlO_3$ was redeposited. As increasing RF power and DC bias voltage, etch rates of the $HfAlO_3$ thin films increased. Whereas, as decreasing of the process pressure, etch rates of the $HfAlO_3$ thin films increased. The chemical reaction on the surface of the etched the $HfAlO_3$ thin films was investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These peaks moved a binding energy. This chemical shift indicates that there are chemical reactions between the $HfAlO_3$ thin films and radicals and the resulting etch by-products remain on the surface.