Introduction
As per the judgment dated March 6, 2018, by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan, any candidate who wishes to obtain a license as an advocate in any provincial bar council after completing their law degree must appear for and pass an assessment test known as the LAW-GAT. This test consists of 100 marks, and candidates must score at least 50% to pass.
This guide provides a detailed approach to preparing for the LAW-GAT, including an overview of the syllabus, preparation techniques, and the best resources available to maximize your success.
Understanding the LAW-GAT Syllabus
Before beginning preparation, the first step is to review the syllabus. The LAW-GAT exam primarily consists of subjects that have already been covered during an LLB degree, such as Civil Procedure Code (CPC), Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Constitution. These subjects are included in a concise format, covering only the most critical and relevant portions of each law. A complete syllabus breakdown can be found here:
Since the syllabus is a condensed version of what students have already studied, a dedicated resource and a structured revision plan are sufficient for achieving a high score in the LAW-GAT.
Understanding Subject Weightage
Another crucial factor in LAW-GAT preparation is recognizing the weightage of marks assigned to each subject. Not all subjects carry equal importance. Some subjects, like CPC, have a higher marks weightage but require less effort due to their concise syllabus. Conversely, subjects like English Jurisprudence and Islamic Jurisprudence carry fewer marks but demand more effort due to their extensive syllabus.
To prepare efficiently, candidates should categorize subjects into two parts:
Part A: High-Scoring, Less Effort Subjects
Subjects that have a brief syllabus but significant marks weightage should be prioritized. These include:
- Civil Procedure Code (CPC)
- Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)
- Professional Ethics
- Leading Constitutional Cases
- Qanun-e-Shahadat Order (QSO)
- The Constitution
Part B: Lengthy Syllabus, Lower Marks Weightage
Subjects that require more effort and extensive reading should be covered after completing Part A. These include:
- English Jurisprudence
- Islamic Jurisprudence
Candidates should first complete and revise Part A thoroughly before moving on to Part B. This approach ensures maximum syllabus coverage while optimizing study time and improving overall performance.
Best Resources for LAW-GAT Preparation
Many students struggle to find the right study material for the LAW-GAT exam. The primary resource for LAW-GAT preparation is the Bare Acts, as they help students build a clear understanding of fundamental legal concepts. However, Bare Acts alone are not sufficient—students must also test their knowledge through Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
One of the most reliable and recommended resources for LAW-GAT is the latest edition of Elements of LAW-GAT. This guidebook provides a comprehensive collection of important MCQs tailored to the LAW-GAT exam. It ensures that candidates become familiar with the nature and style of questions asked in the test.
Unlike other law exams, the LAW-GAT primarily assesses a candidate’s knowledge of Bare Laws rather than their conceptual understanding. Therefore, students must memorize key legal provisions and practice solving relevant MCQs from reliable sources like Elements of LAW-GAT.
Sample Questions for LAW-GAT
These questions have been sourced from the book, Elements of LAW-GAT, to help you get a general idea of what kind of questions are asked by the examiner:
Importance of Solving Mocks and Group Discussions
Practice is essential for success in any exam, and the LAW-GAT is no exception. Candidates should regularly discuss legal concepts with peers and solve mock exams to assess their progress.
Why Mock Exams Are Important:
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses – Mock exams help candidates pinpoint weak areas and improve them before the actual test.
- Boost Confidence – Solving questions in a real-exam environment reduces stress and improves time management skills.
- Improve Accuracy – With consistent practice, candidates minimize mistakes and develop better answer-selection strategies.
Creating an exam-like environment while solving mocks ensures that candidates are well-prepared and familiar with the LAW-GAT’s unique question patterns.
Conclusion
Preparing for the LAW-GAT requires a strategic and well-organized approach. Candidates should start by analyzing the syllabus, dividing it into high-scoring and low-scoring subjects, and focusing on efficient revision techniques.
Using the right resources, such as Bare Acts and Elements of LAW-GAT, ensures a solid foundation. Furthermore, discussing concepts with peers and solving mock exams enhances retention, accuracy, and confidence.
By following this structured study plan, candidates can maximize their chances of passing the LAW-GAT with a high score and successfully begin their journey as licensed advocates.
