HEC Announces Law-GAT 2026: Complete Schedule of Registration, Test Date, and Result Date

HEC Announces Law-GAT 2026: Complete Schedule of Registration, Test Date, and Result Date

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan , acting through its dedicated Education Testing Council (ETC) , has officially released the schedule for the Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) 2026 . This crucial examination is a mandatory requirement for law graduates aiming to enroll as advocates within the country.

The announcement, published on the official HEC portal, provides prospective candidates with all the necessary details regarding registration windows, test structure, eligibility criteria, and the date of the examination. You can also view LAW-GAT Syllabus 2026 .

• The Law GAT annnounce the registeration for the 1st test from February 15th, 2026 .

• The Last date to apply for test is March 3rd, 2026 (Tuesday) .

• The Roll no slips for Law GAT test will issue on March 25th, 2026 (Wednesday) .

• The Law GAT test will commence on April 5th, 2026 (Sunday) .

• The Law GAT result will announce on April 23rd, 2026 (Thursday) .
  

What is the Law-GAT?

The Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) is a standardized examination administered by the HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC). It serves as a compulsory gateway for individuals who have completed their legal education and wish to practice law professionally. Successfully passing the Law-GAT is a fundamental prerequisite for enrollment with the Bar, ensuring that aspiring advocates possess the requisite knowledge and competency.

Key Dates for Law-GAT 2026

Aspiring candidates are advised to strictly adhere to the timeline outlined by the commission. The schedule is as follows:

• Online Registration Opens: Tuesday, March 03, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

• Online Registration Closes: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 (by midnight)

• Law-GAT Test Date: Sunday, April 05, 2026

The HEC has noted that while these dates are confirmed, any unforeseen changes to the schedule will be promptly communicated and posted on the official HEC website. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the portal for real-time updates.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The HEC has set clear guidelines regarding who is eligible to register for the upcoming test.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) or an equivalent qualification.

• University Recognition: The degree must have been awarded by a local or foreign university that is recognized by either the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC).
  

Ineligible Candidates

The commission has explicitly stated that the following individuals are not eligible to apply for the Law-GAT 2026:

• Individuals who have already qualified the Law-GAT in previous attempts.

• Candidates who have exhausted all seven permissible attempts of the test.

• Students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in law program and have not yet graduated.

Test Format and Passing Criteria

Understanding the structure of the exam is vital for preparation. According to the official notification, the Law-GAT will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• Total Marks: 100

• Passing Marks: Candidates are required to secure a minimum of 50 marks (50%) to qualify.

To assist with preparation, the HEC has made the detailed curriculum and test pattern available for download on its official website. Applicants are strongly advised to review these documents to understand the scope of the syllabus.

Choosing Your Test Center

To facilitate candidates across the country, the ETC conducts the Law-GAT on a quarterly basis in all major cities of Pakistan. During the registration process, applicants will be allowed to select their preferred test center.

However, the HEC has included a logistical caveat: the Education Testing Council reserves the right to change a candidate’s designated test center if the number of registrations at a specific location falls below 250. This measure ensures efficient administration of the test.

Important Legal Disclaimer

In its notification, the HEC provided a critical clarification for all test-takers. While securing 50 percent marks is the threshold to pass the HEC-administered exam, it does not automatically grant an individual the right to practice law.

Candidates must also meet all additional eligibility and enrollment criteria set forth by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) . Passing the Law-GAT is one component of the overall process, but fulfillment of PBC requirements is mandatory for formal enrollment as an advocate.

How to Register

The registration process for the Law-GAT 2026 will be conducted entirely online. Interested candidates can access the application portal through the official HEC website starting at 2:00 p.m. on March 3, 2026.

Given that the last date for submission is the same day the window opens (March 3, 2026), applicants are urged to prepare their documents in advance to avoid missing the deadline. It is expected that the window will close at midnight, leaving no room for extensions.