The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially started online registration for the Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law-GAT) 2026, providing aspiring lawyers with the opportunity to complete a mandatory requirement for enrolment with the Bar in Pakistan.

The Law-GAT is conducted through the HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC) and serves as a compulsory examination for law graduates who intend to practice as advocates. Passing the assessment is a prerequisite before candidates can apply for enrolment with the Bar under the relevant regulations.

According to the HEC, applications are now being accepted through its online registration portal. Eligible candidates are encouraged to complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

To qualify for the Law-GAT 2026, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or an equivalent law qualification from a university recognized by both the Higher Education Commission and the Pakistan Bar Council. Only graduates meeting these eligibility criteria will be permitted to appear for the examination.

HEC has set Sunday, July 19, 2026, as the final date for online registration. Candidates should ensure that all required information and documents are submitted accurately within the specified timeframe, as late applications are generally not entertained.

The Law-GAT examination is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The test evaluates candidates on essential legal knowledge and professional competence, ensuring that future advocates meet the standards required to enter the legal profession in Pakistan.

The assessment plays an important role in maintaining the quality of legal practice by verifying that graduates possess the necessary understanding of legal principles before beginning their professional careers. Every year, thousands of law graduates appear in the examination as part of the process of qualifying for Bar enrolment.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the HEC portal for updates regarding roll number slips, test centers, examination instructions, and any changes to the schedule. Keeping track of official announcements will help applicants prepare for the examination and complete the admission process without complications.

With registrations now open, eligible law graduates have a limited window to submit their applications and secure their place in the Law-GAT 2026, an essential milestone on the path to becoming a licensed advocate in Pakistan.