Overview
The Law Graduate Assessment Test (LAW-GAT) is a test for LLB graduates in Pakistan who want to enrol as advocates with the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). The Higher Education Commission (HEC) runs it through its Education Testing Council (ETC), after the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed HEC in August 2018 to conduct assessment tests for law graduates' enrolment with the PBC. The ETC holds its tests, including the LAW-GAT, several times a year.
Who can apply
The test is for LLB graduates who need to clear it to enrol as an advocate with the PBC. Check the current ETC announcement for the full eligibility and documents.
Exam pattern
The syllabus lists 100 multiple-choice questions in six areas.
| Area | Questions | What the syllabus lists |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution | 20 | Constitutional history cases (5), the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 (10), international law (5) |
| Civil Procedure Code | 20 | Selected sections and orders |
| Criminal Law | 20 | Pakistan Penal Code (10) and Code of Criminal Procedure (10), selected chapters |
| Law of Evidence | 20 | Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984 |
| Jurisprudence | 10 | English jurisprudence (5) and Islamic jurisprudence (5) |
| Professional Ethics | 10 | Rules on conduct and etiquette of advocates (Pakistan Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Rules, 1976) |
Important dates
The ETC calendar for 2026 lists four LAW-GAT sittings.
| Test date | Online registration closes | Results due |
|---|---|---|
| 5 April 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 23 April 2026 |
| 9 August 2026 | 19 July 2026 | 28 August 2026 |
| 18 October 2026 | 27 September 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| 20 December 2026 | 29 November 2026 | 31 December 2026 |
Registration for the 18 October 2026 sitting closed on 27 September 2026. The ETC lists dates as tentative, so confirm them on its announcements page.
How to apply
Register online through the ETC portal before the closing date, then download your roll number slip. On test day, bring the printed slip and your original valid CNIC or passport.
After the exam
Results are announced on the dates in the ETC calendar. The number of chances to clear the test for PBC enrolment was raised from five to seven in a September 2023 notification.
Preparation tips
Constitution, Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Law and Law of Evidence carry 20 questions each, so give them most of your time, but do not skip Jurisprudence and Professional Ethics.
FAQs
How many attempts do I get at LAW-GAT?
Up to seven chances, under HEC's notification of 15 September 2023, which raised the limit from five.
How many questions are in the LAW-GAT?
100 multiple-choice questions.