CLAT is India’s most opted entrance exam by students, aspiring to pursue law courses from the National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. Understanding the CLAT exam pattern 2025 is key to effective preparation and a successful attempt.
In this post, we will provide a detailed overview of the latest exam pattern for CLAT 2025, including the structure of the test, types of questions, marking scheme, and more.
What is the CLAT Exam?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam in India, conducted for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. It is a gateway to gaining admission into 24 of the nation’s most prestigious NLUs, along with several other law schools.
CLAT assesses candidates on various parameters such as legal reasoning, logical reasoning, English language skills, current affairs and general knowledge, and quantitative techniques.
This exam is crucial for law aspirants because it opens doors to top law institutions where they can obtain a high-quality legal education and pave the way for a successful career in law.
CLAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
The CLAT Consortium sets the paper pattern for the CLAT exam. The CLAT exam pattern 2025 gives candidates a clear idea of the exam structure, marking scheme, sectional weightage, and negative marking, if any.
The CLAT 2025 UG exam pattern consists of five sections:
- English Language
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
The CLAT 2025 exam pattern for the PG consists of two sections:
- Constitutional Law
- Other Law Subjects
Understanding the CLAT paper pattern for 2025 is crucial to clear the exam. Respective applicants applying for the CLAT UG or PG must be well-versed in the paper pattern to boost their core and ace each exam stage.
Check highlights of the upcoming 2025 CLAT examination pattern:
| Pattern of CLAT Exam Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| CLAT UG Exam Pattern | 5 Sections: English LanguageCurrent Affairs, including General KnowledgeLegal ReasoningLogical ReasoningQuantitative Techniques |
| CLAT PG Exam Pattern | 2 Sections: Constitutional LawOther law subjects, including, Administrative Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Jurisprudence, Labour Law, Industrial Law, Family Law, Law of Contract, Criminal Law, Torts, Property Law, Company Law, and Public International Law |
| Language | English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice Questions |
| Total Marks | 120 for UG120 for PG |
| Marking Scheme | +1 marks for every correct answer-0.25 marks for every wrong answer |
Also Read: 20 Best CLAT Books for 2025 Preparation
CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern for UG
The CLAT UG exam 2025 will be conducted offline, and the exam duration will be 2 hours. It will consist of 120 objective-type questions divided into 5 sections:
- English Language: This section will comprise 22-26 questions that test the applicant’s proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Logical Reasoning: This section will consist of 22-26 questions that test the applicant’s ability to identify logical patterns, analyze and evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions.
- Legal Reasoning: This section will comprise 28-32 questions that test the applicant’s understanding of legal concepts and principles and their ability to apply them to factual situations.
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: This section will comprise 28-32 questions that test the applicant’s general knowledge and current national and international important events.
- Quantitative Techniques: This section will consist of 10-14 questions that test the applicant’s basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Section-wise CLAT Weightage
With 5 sections in the CLAT 2025 paper for the UG program, every section carries a different weightage. Candidates planning to appear for the test can check the weightage of sections and the number of questions asked from a particular section from the table below:
| Subjects | No. of Questions | CLAT Exam Weightage of Sections |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
Also Read: CLAT Quantitative Techniques Syllabus 2025 and Important Topics
CLAT UG Syllabus 2025
The CLAT syllabus for UG comprises all the important topics candidates need to refer to prepare well for the examination. The details of the topics covered under the CLAT exam pattern 2025 are tabulated below:
| Sections | Important Topics |
| English Language | VocabularyGrammar |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | Knowledge of events related to politics, awards, and honors, climate, etc., of India and the worldStatic General Knowledge |
| Legal Reasoning | Awareness related to current legal and moral issues |
| Logical Reasoning | InferencesCause & EffectRelationshipsAnalogiesSyllogismPremise & Conclusion |
| Quantitative Techniques | Ratio and ProportionBasic AlgebraMensurationStatistical Estimation |
CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern for PG
The CLAT PG exam pattern 2025 differs slightly from the UG exam pattern as law graduates take the exam. Aspirants must be well-versed in the CLAT PG paper pattern before starting their exam preparation.
The passages will be grounded on legal decisions in law, regulations, or statutes, followed by a series of questions for assessing the candidate’s knowledge through the following demonstrative points:
- Reading comprehension, including issues, arguments, and viewpoints
- Awareness of the problems discussed in the given passage, legal matters, and facts related to and arising out of the passage and the statute or judgment
- Summarize the passage
- Ability to demonstrate law fields discussed in the passage
Section-wise CLAT Weightage
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| Constitutional Law | 60 | 60 |
| Other Law Subjects | 60 | 60 |
Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT From Class 11th?
CLAT PG Syllabus
The CLAT syllabus for PG contains all the important topics candidates should refer to prepare well for the exam. The details of the topics covered under the PG CLAT exam pattern 2025 are tabulated below:
| Sections | Important Topics |
| Constitutional Law | Revise the topics mentioned in the CLAT UG program syllabus |
| Other Areas of Law | JurisprudenceAdministrative LawLaw of ContractTortsFamily LawCriminal LawProperty LawCompany LawPublic International LawTax LawEnvironmental LawLabour & Industrial Law |
CLAT Marking Scheme 2025: For UG and PG
The marking scheme for UG and PG courses will be the same.
Note the table below to get all the details regarding the CLAT marking scheme for 2025:
| Parameters | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 |
Also Read: Timetable for CLAT Preparation 2025 (Study Plan)
Importance of Understanding CLAT Exam Pattern
Understanding the CLAT exam pattern is important for several reasons:
1. Strategic Preparation:
Knowledge of the exam pattern allows candidates to tailor their CLAT preparation strategy effectively. It helps in focusing on the right topics, understanding the weightage of different sections, and allocating study time efficiently.
2. Effective Time Management:
Understanding the CLAT exam pattern is crucial for time management, both during preparation and on the exam day. Knowing the number of questions and the total time available helps candidates in pacing themselves appropriately.
3. Reducing Exam Anxiety:
Familiarity with the CLAT exam pattern can significantly reduce exam-related stress. When candidates know what to expect, they feel more confident and less anxious.
4. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses:
With a clear understanding of the pattern, candidates can identify their strong and weak areas in relation to the various sections of the exam. This helps in prioritizing and focusing on areas that need more attention.
5. Adapting to Changes:
The CLAT exam pattern can undergo changes, and staying updated with these changes is crucial. Understanding the current pattern ensures that candidates are preparing as per the latest format.
6. Improving Accuracy:
Knowing the pattern, especially the CLAT marking scheme, assists candidates in developing strategies to maximize accuracy and minimize negative marking.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT Without Coaching? Expert Tips
Preparation Strategy According to CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Preparing for the CLAT according to its exam pattern requires a strategic approach to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the number of sections, types of questions, total marks, and time duration. This knowledge will shape your overall study plan.
- Section-wise Preparation: Since CLAT covers different sections like English, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques, allocate study time to each section based on its weightage and your proficiency.
- Focus on Legal and Logical Reasoning: Given the significance of these sections in CLAT, give substantial time to understanding legal principles, practicing problem-solving, and honing your logical thinking skills.
- Enhance Reading and Comprehension Skills: For the English section, regularly practice reading comprehension. Work on your speed and accuracy in understanding passages and answering related questions.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: For the Current Affairs & GK section, regularly read newspapers, magazines like CLAT Express by Law Prep Tutorial, and follow reliable online sources to stay updated with current events.
- Practice Quantitative Techniques: Ensure you have a good grasp of basic mathematical concepts. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Regularly attempt CLAT mock tests and solve CLAT previous year papers to get familiar with the exam pattern. This helps in time management and identifying weak areas.
- Analyse Mock Test Performance: After each mock test of CLAT, analyze your performance to understand mistakes and areas of improvement. Pay attention to both incorrect answers and questions that took too long to solve.
- Revise Regularly: Make sure to regularly revise all the sections. Revision is key to retaining information and keeping concepts fresh in your mind.
- Negative Marking Strategy: Be aware of the CLAT negative marking scheme and practice making educated guesses. Avoid wild guesses to minimize negative marks.
- Stress Management and Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques. Managing stress is crucial for peak performance.
Conclusion:
The CLAT exam pattern and its competitive nature demand focused and strategic preparation. Understanding the exam structure, dedicating time to each section, staying updated on current affairs, and honing legal and logical reasoning skills are key. Regular practice through mock tests and previous year papers is crucial for familiarization with the exam format, improving time management, and reducing exam anxiety.
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