The reintroduction of the Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) stems from a directive by the Supreme Court on March 6, 2018. This test is designed to evaluate the capabilities of law graduates who wish to enter the legal field. Its goal is to ensure that only qualified individuals with a solid understanding of legal basics can practice law professionally.
Who Can Apply?
Law-GAT is open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Law or its equivalent from universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC).
Test Structure :
The examination comprises Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) that assess candidates’ grasp of legal concepts.
Curriculum Insights/ Law GAT Syllabus 2023
Candidates can refer to the Revised Curriculum of Law-GAT, accessible at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/etc/Documents/Curriculum-LAW-GAT-test.pdf
1. Constitutional History of Pakistan (Marks: 20)
- Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan vs. Governor General of Pakistan (PLD 1955 F.C. 240)
- The State vs. Dosso and Others (PLD 1958 S.C. 533)
- Miss Asma Jilani vs Government of Pakistan (PLD 1972 S.C. 139)
- Begum Nusrat Bhutto vs. Chief of Army Staff (PLD 1977 S.C 657)
- Muhammad Nawaz Sharif vs. President of Pakistan (PLD 1993 S.C. 473)
- Al-Jehad Trust vs Federation of Pakistan (Judges case) (PLD 1996 S.C. 324)
- Zafar Ali Shah and others vs. General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive of Pakistan (PLD 2000 S.C. 869)
- Khan Asfandyar Wali and others vs. Federation of Pakistan (PLD 2001 S.C. 607)
2. Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 (Marks: 10)
Fundamental Rights: From Preamble to articles 40.
Parliament: Articles 50-89.
The Judicature: Articles 175-212.
3. International Law (Marks: 5)
United Nations Charter
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
4. Jurisprudence (Marks: 10)
English Jurisprudence: Study works by Sir John Salmond.
Islamic Jurisprudence: Study works by Prof Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee.
5. Civil Procedure Code (CPC) (Marks: 20)
Sections from the preamble to Sections 12, 15-20, 47, 75, 96, 104, 115, and 151.
Orders 1, 6-9, 39, 41, and 43.
6. Criminal Law (Marks: 20)
Pakistan Penal Code (PPC): Chapter 2, 4, 16, 16-A, 17.
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC): Chapter 1, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 31, 39, and Bail.
7. Law of Evidence (Marks: 20)
Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984.
8. Professional Ethics (Marks: 10)
Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette of Advocates (Ch 12, Rule 134-175 B).
Pakistan Legal Practitioners & Bar Councils Rules, 1976.
Test Date:
the Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) is held three times each year. Offering applicants three distinct chances to participate. In the year 2024, the scheduled test dates are as follows: The first test took place on 7th January, the second test was conducted on 31 March, and the third test was held on 30 June 2024. This arrangement provides candidates with the flexibility to choose from multiple testing opportunities throughout the year.
Test Centers:
The test will be conducted in various cities, including Islamabad ,Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad ,Karachi ,Sukkur ,Hyderabad ,Peshawar , Abbottabad ,Quetta, Turbat ,Muzaffarabad , Gilait and others. Applicants can choose their preferred center, provided a minimum of 250 candidates opt for that center.
Registration Process:
Guiding You Through HEC Law Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) 2023 Registration
https://etc.hec.gov.pk/user-manual.pdf
Embarking on the registration process for the HEC Law Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) 2023 is straightforward. Here’s your roadmap:
Online Registration: Begin by visiting http://etc.hec.gov.pk. This digital portal is your gateway to online registration. Sign in to Education Testing Council Pakistan. Enter your details below. CNIC/Passport *. Password *. Forgot your password? Sign Up if you Don’t have an account?
Seek Help if Needed:
If you encounter any issues during registration, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. You can visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk or reach out to HEC Secretariat or HEC Regional Centers for guidance.
Complete Your Application:
Your application journey involves two steps. Start by completing your profile under the “My Profile” section. Then, move forward by submitting your application via the “Law Graduate Assessment Test” link in the online portal’s menu. Remember, only submitted applications will be considered.
Payment Process:
The test fee of Rs. 3000/- is your key to participation. You have various payment options like participating Banks with ATM, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Easypaisa, JazzCash, or Upaisa. If you choose your mobile app becomes your payment companion. Enter the consumer number provided by the ETC portal, verify details, and proceed with the payment.
Verify Payment:
After your payment through 1Link 1Bill Invoice, return to the ETC Dashboard to verify your online payment. This step confirms your commitment.
Important Note:
Keep in mind that the test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Ensure all your queries are resolved before the online registration deadline.
Be Prepared:
As your test day approaches, make sure to bring the paid fee receipt via 1Link, your Roll Number Slip, Original CNIC or Passport, and your determination. These essentials are your entry pass to the test center.
With these steps, you’re on your way to a brighter legal future. The HEC Law Graduate Assessment Test (GAT) 2024 is your platform to showcase your skills and embark on your journey as a legal professional.
Test Fee :
Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 3000/-. The fee is to be deposited in Account No. 01127900567403, titled “Higher Education Commission,” at Habib Bank Limited, Branch Code: 0112.
Passing Criteria :
A minimum score of 50% is needed to pass the Law-GAT. Candidates must also fulfill any other criteria stipulated by the Pakistan Bar Council’s rules.
Attempts Allowed :
Candidates have up to seve chances to clear the test, which is conducted quarterly by the Higher Education Commission.
Contact Information:
For help and inquiries, applicants can reach the Higher Education Commission at 051-111-119-432 and 0334-111-9432.
Conclusion :
The Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) is a critical milestone for law graduates pursuing a career in advocacy. Its role in ensuring a high standard of legal expertise among practitioners cannot be overstated. Through this examination, aspiring advocates prove their aptitude and commitment to the legal profession, contributing to a more robust and competent legal community.