Table of Contents
1. Introduction
In Pakistan, the GAT assessment test is one of the most important steps for students who want to practice law. This exam is conducted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and administered by NTS. All applicants must know the requirements, eligibility and the registration process for success in GAT 2025.
1. GAT Assessment Test
The Graduate Assessment Test is conducted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Unlike other academic exams, the GAT exam is a standard test that tests your legal knowledge and ethics.
For further information regarding what is GAT click here.
2. Eligibility Criteria for GAT Assessment Test 2025
Before applying, people who want to take the GAT Assessment Test should read the rules and requirements very carefully.
Minimum Education Required (16 Years of Education)
In Pakistan, you need to have a LLB degree to be eligible for the test. People who are in the last semester of their degree can’t apply until they have finished their degree.
Who Can Apply (Private & Public University Graduates)
If you finished from a college or university that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognizes, you can apply.
No Age Limit for Applicants
One of the best things about the GAT is that there is no age limit. This means that people who are working, recent graduates, and senior candidates can all apply if they have their LLB degree.
3. GAT Test Registration Process
You can only sign up for the GAT online at the website of HEC. Students who want to apply need to pay close attention to the dates and times because incomplete applications or applications sent after the due date will not be accepted. Here’s what you need to do to sign up:
Gat Test apply online:
1. Visit the Official HEC website
- Go to the HEC official website, where all law graduates apply for GAT.
- Begin by completing your “My Profile” section with accurate personal and academic details.
2. Create an Account on ETC (if not already registered)
- If this is your first time applying, you need to make an account by giving a real email address and cell phone number.
- Candidates who have already applied can log in straight with the credentials they made before.
3. Submit Your GAT Application
- Find the “Law Graduate Assessment Test” link in the portal menu.
- Fill out the online application form with your LLB credentials and CNIC details. pklawnotes.com
4. Pay the Test Fee
- The Law-GAT test fee is approximately PKR 3,000.
- The portal will generate a consumer number (like a challan reference).
- You can pay via 1LINK-enabled banks, Easypaisa, JazzCash, ATM, or online banking.
- Once payment clears, the status will auto-update in your portal. (no need to upload bank receipts.) Law GAT
5. Verify Payment
- Return to your ETC dashboard to confirm that the payment has been marked successful and the status updated to “submitted.” Law GAT
6. Download The Roll Number Slip
- Once registration is complete and confirmed, download your roll number slip from the portal before the test day. This slip will be your entry pass.
7. Prepare Required Documents and Appear for the Test
On test day, bring:
- Printed roll number slip
- Original CNIC or valid passport
- Paid fee receipt
4. GAT Test Schedule 2025
The GAT is usually given four times a year so that students have plenty of options. The GAT general test schedule is likely to stick to the same three-month routine in 2025.
Students should often check the official HEC website to find out when and how to take the GAT.
5. GAT Exam
This test is designed to evaluate a law graduate’s knowledge of all the legal subjects and their ability to apply reasoning to cases.
- Constitutional Law: These questions are mostly from the Constitutions of Pakistan and their principles.
- Civil Law: Questions about the Contract, Torts, Family Law, and Civil Procedure.
- Criminal Law: Includes Pakistan Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and related statutes.
- Law of Evidence: Questions based on Qanun-e-Shahadat Order.
- International Law: Covers public international law, treaties, and global legal frameworks.
- Jurisprudence: Tests understanding of legal theory, schools of thought, and philosophy of law.
- Professional Ethics & Legal Practice: Focused on the Pakistan Bar Council’s rules of professional conduct.
The LAW GAT lasts for 120 minutes, consists entirely of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and is scored from 0–100. A minimum of 50 marks is required to pass.
Each subject area have a specific weightage. The distribution of MCQs should be known to you in advance, it can help prioritize the preparation and manage time effectively during the test. Try to study using the Gat past papers and know what type of questions are asked.
6. documents for registration and test day
What to have when you register online (NTS portal):
- Valid CNIC number, you would have to enter the CNIC number on the form.
- Active email address and mobile number for account/OTP.
- Recent passport-size photograph (digital copy), follow NTS file size / dimension rules shown on the portal.
- Academic details to enter on the form (degree name, passing year, university name, marks/CGPA).
- (Usually you do not have to upload the full degree at registration unless the announcement specifically asks.)
- Pay the fee (you will generate a challan or pay online as directed).
What to bring on test day:
- Printed roll number slip (downloaded from HEC after registration).
- Original CNIC (or original passport for foreign nationals). No photocopy, original ID is required for entry.
- Black ballpoint pen (as per test instructions).
- Any small items allowed by HEC (check the roll slip for permitted / prohibited items).
Documents you will be required to upload or present at registration:
- Scanned copy of LLB degree certificate (final degree).
- Official transcript / mark-sheet for the LLB program (showing subjects, credits, grades).
- Scanned copy of CNIC (both sides if requested) or passport (for foreign nationals).
- Recent passport-size photographs (digital, and you may need hard copies later).
- HEC equivalence certificate (ONLY if your LLB is from a foreign university), issued by HEC Equivalence Committee.
- Any NOC or clearance required by Pakistan Bar Council or provincial Bar Council (this is sometimes required for foreign graduates or special cases — check the ETC announcement).
- Deposit / fee payment proof (1Link challan or online transaction receipt), upload/keep the paid challan.
- Duly completed application form on ETC portal (enter correct academic data).
What to bring on the day of the test:
- Printed roll number slip from ETC/HEC.
- Original CNIC / passport (must match registration).
- Any additional ID documents if requested by ETC (roll slip will specify).
Documents Needed for Bar Enrollment
You will need these documents for Pakistan Bar Council / Provincial Bar Council registration, not at test day but later:
- LAW GAT result card (downloaded from HEC portal).
- LLB degree & transcript (attested copies).
- CNIC (attested copy).
- Recent passport-size photos.
- Domicile (in some provinces).
- Enrolment form of the Bar Council.
- Character certificate from university / law department.
- NOC or clearance (for foreign graduates or special cases).
Conclusion
After LLB, students have to take the GAT Assessment Test. They should know the eligibility criteria and requirements that are necessary for the test. Learn what you need to do, how the test will be set up, and how to register ahead of time to avoid trouble at the last minute. Make sure you meet all the requirements if you want to take the GAT exam in 2025. You should remember when to register, and study regularly. If you study with the right things and know facts, you can do well on the GAT.
References
- NTS LAW GAT Introduction and Eligibility NTS
- HEC Law GAT Syllabus PDF Higher Education Commission
- ILMKidunya LAW GAT 2025 Schedule & Details ilmkidunya.com
- Punjab Bar Council Law GAT Training Info Punjab Bar Council
- City Law College on LAW-GAT Restoration & Purpose clc.edu.pk
- Wikipedia on LAW GAT Overview & Structure Wikipedia
- Punjab Bar Council Enrollment Rules Pu
FAQs
In Pakistan, who can take the GAT Assessment Test?
The GAT test is open to people who have finished LLB degree. Students who are in the last semester would have to wait until they have completed their degree.
How old do you have to be to take the GAT exam?
There is no age limit to take the GAT test. Potential applicants only need to meet the educational criteria.
How many times am I allowed to take the GAT test?
You are allowed to try as many times as you want. You can retake the GAT exam as many times as you need to in order to get the desired score.
Does each GAT test require a different registration?
Yes, you have to apply for the GAT test again and pay the fee through the official website every time you want to take the test.