As the academic journey of school students unfolds after the milestones of 10th and 12th, the students often find themselves at a crossroads— what after school life?
While the paths to IIT and NEET are popular and widely known, there’s an equally rewarding yet lesser-explored option that deserves your attention – CLAT.
Like the IIT exam opens doors to engineering from top colleges, the CLAT offers a unique opportunity for those who dream of a future in law.
Here, you’ll find all the information about CLAT examination, including:
And all the CLAT exam details.
The full form of CLAT is the Common Law Admission Test.
CLAT exam, or Common Law Admission Test, is a golden key for students who dream of becoming lawyers. It’s a law entrance test that opens the door to graduation from the best law colleges in India (National Law Universities).
There are only 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. Students who graduate from an NLU make a bright career in law. To get admission into an NLU college, you need to crack the CLAT test with the expected cut-off marks.
The students who succeed in the CLAT examination secure entry into esteemed National Law Universities (NLUs) across India, where they dive into a 5-year integrated law program.
Now that you know what CLAT means, it is time to understand who is eligible for the Common Law Admission Test.
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Nationality |
|
| Foreign nationals can also apply but must have a valid passport. | |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for CLAT Entrance Exam. |
| Educational Qualification | Must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board/university. |
| For General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI Categories: Minimum 45% marks in 12th Board Exam. | |
| For SC/ST Categories: Minimum 40% marks or equivalent percentage in the 12th standard. | |
| General Criteria | Students of 12th standard appearing exam in March/April 2024 can apply for the CLAT test. |
| Submission of 12th standard exam result at the time of admission is mandatory. |
One of the most common questions students ask is how many subjects are there in CLAT exam.
And, the answer is that there are 5 subjects in the CLAT entrance test. These are:
This section assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the English language. It includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and language usage. The aim is to evaluate language skills, understanding of passages, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively.
This section tests a candidate’s awareness of current events, general knowledge, and contemporary issues. Questions cover a wide range of topics, including politics, geography, history, sports, awards, and international affairs.
Legal Reasoning evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and apply legal principles. It includes scenarios or legal propositions, and candidates are required to analyze and draw conclusions based on these. This section assesses logical thinking, legal aptitude, and the ability to comprehend legal arguments.
This subject assesses basic mathematical skills and the ability to interpret data. Questions may cover topics such as elementary mathematics, numerical ability, and basic mathematical operations.
Now, we will learn about what type of questions are asked in CLAT exam, what is the duration of CLAT exam, the marking scheme, etc.
| Aspect of CLAT Exam | Details |
| CLAT Full Form | Common Law Admission Test |
| Mode of CLAT Exam | Offline Paper (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Language of CLAT Exam Paper | English |
| Types of Questions | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Number of Sections in CLAT Paper | 5 (Subject-wise) |
| CLAT Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| No. of Questions in CLAT Exam | 120 |
| Maximum Marks | 120 (1 mark for each correct answer) |
| Negative Marks | Yes (0.25 mark deduction for each incorrect answer) |
As mentioned above, there are 120 total questions in CLAT exam. Let’s know about how many questions come from each subject, along with the weightage of each subject:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
The UG-CLAT 2024 would focus on evaluating the comprehension and reasoning skills and abilities of candidates. Overall, it is designed to be a test of aptitude and skills that are necessary for a legal education rather than prior knowledge, though prior knowledge occasionally may be useful to respond to questions in the Current Affairs including the General Knowledge section.
Types of Topics:
English Topics to Master:
Level of Questions: 12th standard
Topics to Master:
Level of Questions
12th std
Types of Questions
MCQ-type questions are asked from passages of 450 words
Types of Passages
Factual scenarios around legal aspects, public policies, and moral philosophies.
Topics and Skills
Types of Questions
MCQ-type questions are asked from passages of 450 words
Topics and Skills
After the passages, you will have questions that test your ability to:
Types of Questions:
Questions are based on short sets of facts or propositions, or textual representations of numerical information.
Skills and Topics:
Preparing for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) requires a strategic and disciplined approach.
These are some expert insights and tips to help you excel in your CLAT preparation:
Familiarize yourself with the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus. Understand the weightage of each section and the types of questions asked. This knowledge will guide your preparation strategy.
Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects and allows sufficient time for revision. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks, and allocate specific time to each section.
Strengthen your foundational knowledge in subjects like English, Quantitative Techniques, and Legal Reasoning. A solid understanding of basic concepts will make it easier to tackle more complex problems.
Take regular CLAT mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This will help you improve your time management skills, identify weak areas, and get accustomed to the exam pattern. Analyze your performance after each test.
Reading comprehension is a crucial part of CLAT. Practice reading newspapers, legal articles, and editorials regularly to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills. This will benefit both the English and General Knowledge sections.
Dedicate time to stay informed about current affairs, especially in the legal and political domains. Follow reputable news sources and make a habit of reading daily news updates.
Develop your legal reasoning skills for CLAT by practicing case-based questions. Understand the principles of law and work on your ability to apply them to various scenarios. CLAT previous years’ question papers can be valuable for this.
Sharpen your logical and analytical reasoning skills. Solve puzzles, practice critical reasoning, and work on enhancing your ability to analyze information and draw conclusions.
Time is a critical factor in the CLAT entrance test. Practice managing your time effectively during mock tests. Prioritize questions based on your strengths, and don’t get stuck on challenging ones. Develop a strategy to attempt the paper within the given time frame.
If you find certain topics challenging, consider seeking guidance from tutors or better join offline or online CLAT coaching. Professional assistance can provide targeted support and help clarify any doubts you may have.
Lastly, ensure you maintain a balanced lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep contribute to better concentration and overall well-being, which is crucial during the intense CLAT exam preparation period.
Joining a reputed and result-driven CLAT coaching institute like Law Prep Tutorial offers several benefits for aspirants aiming to excel in the CLAT law entrance exam:
Law Prep Tutorial provides structured CLAT study materials that cover the entire syllabus of Common Law Admission Test. This helps students avoid the hassle of hunting for resources and ensures that they have comprehensive material at their disposal.
Experienced faculty members at Law Prep Tutorial’s CLAT coaching bring expertise and insights into the nuances of the Common Law Admission Test. They guide students on effective study strategies, time management, and the approach to different sections of the exam.
Whether you choose offline or online CLAT coaching, Law Prep Tutorial conducts regular CLAT mock tests, simulating the actual exam conditions. This practice helps students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, manage time efficiently, and identify areas that need improvement.
Small batch sizes at CLAT coaching allow for more personalized attention. Students can ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive individualized feedback, enhancing their understanding of concepts.
Being part of a CLAT coaching institute like Law Prep Tutorial exposes students to a peer group with similar aspirations. Interacting with fellow aspirants creates a competitive yet supportive environment, fostering healthy competition and mutual learning.
The team at Law Prep Tutorial shares valuable exam strategies and tips that significantly improve your performance in the CLAT examination. This includes guidance on tackling specific question types, time-saving techniques, and approaches to different sections of the CLAT exam.
The team at Law Prep Tutorial stays updated on any changes in the CLAT exam pattern, syllabus, or important notifications. This ensures that students receive the latest information and are well-prepared for any modifications in the exam structure.
Law Prep Tutorial has an extensive collection of study materials, CLAT books, and reference materials that students can access. This saves time and effort in searching for relevant resources elsewhere.
The structured environment of a coaching institute like Law Prep Tutorial Patna instils a sense of discipline in students. Regular classes, assignments, and assessments create a routine that helps in maintaining focus and motivation throughout the preparation period.
Law Prep Tutorial provides detailed performance analysis after mock tests, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This analysis is crucial for students to understand their areas of improvement and work on them effectively.
The most recent exam that happened was CLAT 2024, which happened in December 2023. You need to understand the fact that the upcoming exam in the year 2024 will be CLAT 2025.
The exam usually happens in the last quarter of the year, especially in November or December. So, it is very likely that the CLAT 2025 exam date will be somewhere in Nov or Dec of 2025.
The registration for CLAT exam 2025 is likely to start in July 2024 and the registrations are allowed for the next 4 months (likely till November 2024).
The consortium of NLUs announces the registration date and then the CLAT application process starts. These registrations are done on the official website of Consortium- consortiumofnlus.ac.in
If you want to appear for the CLAT 2025 exam, you’ll need these documents at the time of application:
The consortium of NLUs has yet to announce the fees for CLAT application form, but here is the details of the previous year for reference:
Payment is done in online mode at the time of application. The payment is non-refundable.
Avoiding common mistakes during CLAT preparation is crucial for success. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
Mistake: Going into preparation without a well-defined study plan.
Solution: Develop a structured study plan that covers all subjects, allocates sufficient time for revision, and includes regular mock tests.
Mistake: Ignoring fundamental concepts in subjects like English, Mathematics (if applicable), and Legal Reasoning.
Solution: Strengthen your foundational knowledge to handle more complex problems later on.
Mistake: Underestimating the importance of time management during the exam.
Solution: Practice time management during CLAT mock tests. Allocate specific time to each section and question to ensure completion within the stipulated time.
Mistake: Overlooking the significance of staying updated on current affairs.
Solution: Regularly read newspapers, follow news websites, and stay informed about national and international events, especially those related to legal and political matters.
Mistake: Not taking regular mock tests to gauge performance and get accustomed to exam conditions.
Solution: Incorporate CLAT mock tests into your study routine. Analyze the results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Mistake: Memorizing legal content without understanding the underlying principles.
Solution: Focus on comprehending legal principles and their applications. Practice with case-based questions to improve legal reasoning skills.
Mistake: Delaying preparation until the last minute.
Solution: Start early and maintain a consistent study schedule. Break down the syllabus into manageable portions to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Mistake: Neglecting physical and mental well-being during preparation.
Solution: Ensure a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep. Take breaks to avoid burnout.
Mistake: Assuming legal aptitude is solely about rote learning.
Solution: Develop critical thinking skills. Practice analyzing legal scenarios and applying principles rather than memorizing facts.
Mistake: Not analyzing errors made in practice tests and mock exams.
Solution: Review mistakes to understand the underlying reasons. Learn from errors to avoid repetition.
While CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is one of the most prominent law entrance exams in India, there are other notable exams for law aspirants:
After successfully clearing the CLAT exam, candidates enter the post-exam scenario, which involves the counseling and seat allotment process.
Here’s a brief overview:
Qualified candidates must register for CLAT counseling on the official website. During registration, candidates need to fill in their preferences for NLUs (National Law Universities) where they wish to seek admission.
Candidates need to indicate their order of preference for NLUs and law programs during the choice-filling process. The choices made at this stage play a crucial role in the subsequent seat allotment.
Based on the candidate’s CLAT rank and the preferences submitted during counseling, seat allotment takes place. The candidate is allocated a seat in one of the NLUs, depending on availability and merit.
After seat allotment, candidates are required to undergo document verification. This involves confirming the authenticity of educational documents, category certificates (if applicable), and other necessary paperwork.
Candidates must pay the admission fee to secure their allotted seat. The fee structure varies across NLUs, and candidates need to adhere to the payment deadlines to confirm their admission.
Once the seat is confirmed, candidates are required to report to the allotted NLU within the specified timeframe. Failure to report on time may lead to the forfeiture of the allotted seat.
There are a total of 26 NLUs in India. Of these, NLU Delhi doesn’t accept the CLAT score. Rest all the NLUs accept your CLAT score. NLU Delhi accepts AILET score.
| Sr. No. | Location | NLU Name |
| 1 | Bangalore | National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore |
| 2 | Delhi | National Law University (NLU), Delhi |
| 3 | Hyderabad | NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
| 4 | Kolkata | West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata |
| 5 | Gandhinagar | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar |
| 6 | Jodhpur | National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur |
| 7 | Bhopal | National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal |
| 8 | Lucknow | National Law University (NLU), Lucknow |
| 9 | Patiala | Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNLU), Patiala |
| 10 | Guwahati, Assam | National Law University (NLU), Guwahati |
| 11 | Odisha, Cuttack | National Law University (NLU), Odisha |
| 12 | Patna, Bihar | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna |
| 13 | Kochi, Kerala | National Law University (NLU), Kochi |
| 14 | Ranchi, Jharkhand | National Law University (NLU), Ranchi |
| 15 | Trichy, Tamil Nadu | National Law University (NLU), Trichy |
| 16 | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur |
| 17 | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | National Law University (NLU), Visakhapatnam |
| 18 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai |
| 19 | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad |
| 20 | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | National Law University (NLU), Shimla |
| 21 | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | National Law University (NLU), Jabalpur |
| 22 | Raipur, Chattisgarh | Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur |
| 23 | Tripura, Agartala | National Law University (NLU), Tripura |
| 24 | Meghalaya | National Law University (NLU), Meghalaya |
| 25 | Haryana | Dr. B. R Ambedkar National Law University, Haryana |
| 26 | Silvassa, Gujarat | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Silvassa |
After completing a law program through CLAT, graduates have a wide array of career opportunities. Some potential paths include:
Graduates can practice law as advocates, either independently or by joining law firms. Specializations can include criminal law, corporate law, family law, and more.
Aspiring judges can opt for judicial services and work in the judiciary at the district, state, or national levels.
Many companies hire legal professionals as in-house counsel to handle legal matters, contracts, and compliance issues.
Graduates can provide legal consultancy services, offering advice on legal matters to individuals and businesses.
Opportunities exist in various government departments, ministries, and agencies for legal professionals to work on policy-making, drafting legislation, and more.
Graduates can work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups to address social justice issues and contribute to public interest litigation.
Law graduates can pursue a career in legal journalism, reporting on legal developments and providing analysis on legal issues.
Some graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees such as Master of Laws (LLM) or engage in academic research and teaching.
How can I apply for CLAT?
Candidates can apply for CLAT by filling out the online application form available on the official CLAT website during the specified application period.
When is CLAT conducted?
CLAT is usually conducted in December or in the final quarter of the year.
How is the CLAT score used for admission?
CLAT scores are used by NLUs and other participating institutions for admission purposes. Candidates are allocated seats based on their performance and choices made during counseling.
Can I get admission to law colleges without taking CLAT?
While CLAT is a common entrance exam for NLUs, some law colleges conduct their entrance exams.
Is there an age limit for CLAT?
There is no upper age limit for CLAT.
Is coaching necessary for CLAT preparation?
While self-study is an option, the coaching institutes like Law Prep Tutorial are beneficial for structured guidance, expert insights, and regular mock tests to enhance preparation.
How many students appeared for CLAT 2022?
In CLAT 2022, a total of 56,472 candidates appeared out of 60,895 registrations. This data reflects the active participation of aspirants in the examination.
How many times is CLAT conducted in a year?
CLAT is conducted once a year.
Can I give CLAT exam after 12th?
Yes, CLAT is primarily for students who have completed or are in the 10+2 level. Therefore, you can appear for CLAT after completing 12th.
How many attempts for CLAT?
There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for CLAT. Candidates can attempt the exam as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Will CLAT be held twice in 2024?
No, CLAT is conducted once a year. In 2024, only the CLAT 2025 exam will happen.
In which month is CLAT exam conducted?
CLAT is usually conducted in November or December.
CLAT exam is for what purpose?
The CLAT exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and other institutions across India.
Is CLAT exam tough?
The CLAT entrance exam is considered moderately challenging, testing candidates in areas such as English, General Knowledge, Quantitative Techniques, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. Since it is a national-level law entrance exam in India, the competition is high.
What type of questions are asked in CLAT exam?
CLAT test consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Where is CLAT exam held?
The CLAT exam is conducted in offline mode at various test centers across different cities in India.
How many marks is CLAT of?
The maximum marks in the CLAT exam is 120.
Is CLAT exam online or offline?
CLAT is an offline pen-and-paper-based examination.
Is CLAT exam necessary for law?
CLAT is a common law entrance test for admission to law programs, but it’s not the only route. Some universities conduct their own entrance exams.
How many subjects are there in CLAT exam?
There are 5 subjects in the CLAT exam. These include English, General Knowledge, Quantitative Techniques, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
How many questions are there in CLAT exam?
There are 120 questions in the CLAT exam (as of CLAT 2024 exam).
Can I give CLAT exam before 12th?
No, CLAT is for undergraduate courses, so it is taken after completing 10+2 or equivalent.
Can bio student give CLAT exam?
Yes, students from any stream can take the CLAT exam.
Can CLAT be cracked without coaching?
It is possible to crack CLAT entrance exam without coaching, but it has been observed over the years that students need strategic preparation for it. CLAT coaching offers guidance by experts, well-crafted study materials, strategic approach, and more.
Can CLAT be cracked in 1 month?
It’s challenging to prepare for CLAT in just one month, but intensive and focused study might help.
Is CLAT exam tough than NEET?
CLAT and NEET are for different fields (law and medicine), so direct comparison of difficulty may not be meaningful.
Is CLAT exam compulsory for LLB?
CLAT is not compulsory for LLB, as some universities have their own entrance exams.
Can Commerce student give CLAT exam?
Yes, commerce students are eligible to take the CLAT exam.
How long is CLAT exam?
The CLAT exam is 2 hours (120 minutes).
Is CLAT exam objective or subjective?
The CLAT exam is objective, consisting of multiple-choice questions.
Can I give CLAT exam in Hindi language?
CLAT is conducted in English only.
Can Science student give CLAT exam?
Yes. Science students can give CLAT examination.
Can NIOS student give CLAT exam?
Yes. Students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are eligible to take the CLAT exam. CLAT does not have any specific eligibility criteria related to the academic stream or board of education.
What is the official website of CLAT?
CLAT’s official website is https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
What is CLAT full form in English?
CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test.
Is CLAT the NLU entrance test?
Yes, CLAT is commonly known as the entrance test for admission to National Law Universities (NLUs) and various other institutions offering law programs in India.
How many students appeared for CLAT 2023?
Around 70,000 students attended the CLAT exam 2023.
How many students appeared for CLAT 2024?
Around 1 lakh students appeared for CLAT exam 2024.
