If you're planning your 2027 law admission, the single most important date skill is this: don't wait for a complete annual datesheet. HEC announces LAT sessions one batch at a time on the ETC portal, and each session has its own application window. This page tracks the pattern so you can plan ahead — but the ETC portal is always the final word.
The 2027 LAT Sessions (Expected Pattern)
HEC has not yet published the complete official 2027 datesheet. Based on recent years, expect 3 to 4 sessions spread across the year. Typical windows look like this — treat every row as provisional until HEC announces it officially:
| 2027 Session | Typical Window | Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | January–February | Usually 2–3 weeks before the test | To be announced on the ETC portal |
| Session 2 | April–May | Usually 2–3 weeks before the test | To be announced on the ETC portal |
| Session 3 | August–September | Usually 2–3 weeks before the test | To be announced on the ETC portal |
| Session 4 | November–December | Usually 2–3 weeks before the test | To be announced on the ETC portal |
HEC has occasionally run five batches in a year (as in 2026) and has revised announced dates before, so always re-confirm your specific session on the portal in the final two weeks.
Strategic Advice: Which Session Should You Take?
You do not need your FSc / FA Part-2 board result to sit for the LAT — you can apply on a "Hope Certificate" / "Result Awaiting" basis. And since your score is valid for 2 full years, there is no reason to wait for the last session of the year.
- Sit early if you can. An early-2027 attempt (even as a practice run) gets the pressure off before board exams and university admissions pile up in the fall.
- Re-sit freely. There is no limit on LAT attempts, and universities use your best valid score for merit. Many toppers sat twice.
- Avoid the rush session. The session closest to university admission deadlines is always the most crowded and stressful. Clear LAT before that wave hits.
Roll Number Slip: How and When
HEC no longer dispatches physical roll number slips by post. Everything is digital now:
- About 7 to 10 days before your test, watch for an SMS and email alert on your registered number and address.
- Log in to etc.hec.gov.pk and open "My Applications" on your dashboard.
- Click "Download Roll No. Slip" and print a clear hard copy.
Electronic slips shown on mobile screens are strictly prohibited at exam centers. Print it the day it comes out — don't leave it for the night before, in case your printer or the portal has a bad day.
What to Do on Test Day
Reach the center early and bring exactly what HEC requires — nothing more, nothing less:
- Printed roll number slip (the original printout).
- Original CNIC — or, if you're under 18, your original B-Form / Smart Card plus your original Matric result card with your photograph.
- Blue/black ballpoints and a clipboard. Markers and pointers can bleed through the OMR bubble sheet — ballpoint only for MCQs.
Leave at home: mobile phones, smartwatches, and any electronic devices — these are not allowed inside. Check your slip for the reporting time and the gate-closing time; HEC centers are strict about late entry.
Inside the hall, remember the paper structure: 75 MCQs + essay (15) + personal statement (10) in 120 minutes. Budget roughly 45–50 minutes for the MCQs and the rest for writing — and since there is no negative marking, fill every bubble even if you're guessing.
Result Declaration & Score Validity
After each session, HEC declares results on the ETC portal — typically a few weeks after the test. Your official LAT result card is then valid for 2 years, which means a 2027 score carries you through the 2027 and 2028 admission cycles at both public and private universities. Track results, answer keys, and score-card details on our LAT result page.
Missed a session? Don't panic. With multiple sessions a year and a 2-year validity, the LAT schedule is built to give you second chances. The real mistake is showing up unprepared — so while you wait for your session, work through our 8-week study plan, free past papers, and the free LAT Guess Paper 2027.