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.
Upcoming CLAT Exams:
What is 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 CLAT Exam | Offline (Pen and paper) |
| CLAT Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| CLAT UG Exam Pattern | 5 Sections: – English Language – Current Affairs, including General Knowledge – Legal Reasoning – Logical Reasoning – Quantitative Techniques |
| CLAT PG Exam Pattern | 2 Sections: – Constitutional Law – Other law subjects (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 in CLAT | – 120 for UG – 120 for PG |
| CLAT 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 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.
CLAT Previous Year Questions
| CLAT GK Questions |
| CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions |
| CLAT English Questions |
| CLAT Logical Reasoning Questions |
| CLAT Quantitative Techniques Questions |
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: Complete CLAT Mock Test Strategy
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 | – Vocabulary – Grammar |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | – Knowledge of events related to politics, awards, and honors, climate, etc., of India and the world – Static General Knowledge |
| Legal Reasoning | Awareness related to current legal and moral issues |
| Logical Reasoning | – Inferences – Cause & Effect – Relationships – Analogies – Syllogism – Premise & Conclusion |
| Quantitative Techniques | – Ratio and Proportion – Basic Algebra – Mensuration – Statistical 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 | – Jurisprudence – Administrative Law – Law of Contract – Torts – Family Law – Criminal Law – Property Law – Company Law – Public International Law – Tax Law – Environmental Law – Labour & Industrial Law |
CLAT Marking 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)
Key Changes in CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern
As of now, the official CLAT 2025 notification is yet to be released. Therefore, any specific changes in the exam pattern compared to CLAT 2024 are not confirmed. However, once the notification is out, we will update this section with the detailed changes.
Confirmed Information:
- The CLAT 2025 exam date has been announced and is scheduled for 1st December 2024.
Anticipated Areas of Change (To Be Updated):
While we await the official CLAT notification, here are some areas where changes might occur:
- CLAT Exam Pattern:
- Any modifications in the number of questions per section.
- Potential changes in the weightage of different sections.
- CLAT Marking Scheme:
- Any updates to the marking scheme, such as changes in negative marking.
- Syllabus Adjustments:
- Introduction of new topics or removal of existing ones in various sections.
- CLAT Eligibility Criteria:
- Possible updates in the eligibility requirements for both UG and PG courses.
- CLAT Application Process:
- Changes in the application process or required documents.
Use Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers to Understand Pattern of CLAT Exam
The best way to get familiar with the exam pattern for CLAT 2025 is to practice with previous year papers and attempt as many mock tests as possible.
These are the benefits:
1. Understand Exam Pattern
CLAT mock tests and previous year papers help you understand the structure and format of the exam. You get a clear idea of the number of questions, types of questions, marking scheme, and the distribution of questions across different sections.
Also, by practicing with these tests, you become familiar with the time constraints and learn to manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
Try the FREE CLAT Mock Test Now!
2. Familiarization with Question Types
Regular practice with mock tests exposes you to a variety of questions, which helps you understand the different ways in which questions can be framed.
Furthermore, CLAT previous year question papers give you an insight into the difficulty level of the questions, enabling you to adjust your preparation strategy accordingly.
3. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Taking the CLAT test series allows you to assess your current level of preparation. You can identify your strengths and focus on them while also recognizing your weak areas that need more attention.
Moreover, by analyzing your performance in these tests, you can target specific sections or topics that require more practice and improvement.
4. Building Exam-Day Confidence
CLAT 2025 mock tests simulate real exam conditions, helping you get accustomed to the pressure and environment of the actual exam. This reduces anxiety and boosts your confidence.
The more you practice, the more confident you become in tackling different types of questions efficiently.
5. Enhancing Speed and Accuracy
Regular practice with timed mock tests helps you increase your reading speed and accuracy. You learn to answer questions quickly without compromising on accuracy.
Reviewing your answers helps you understand where you made mistakes and how to avoid them in the future, thereby improving your overall performance.
6. Strategy Development
By practicing with mock tests and previous year papers of CLAT, you can develop effective strategies for attempting the exam. This includes deciding the order of sections, time allocation for each section, and methods for tackling difficult questions.
CLAT Previous Year Papers
To help you prepare effectively and be ready for the CLAT exam date 2025, we have shared the collection of CLAT previous year papers. These papers provide valuable insights into the exam format and types of questions asked, helping you refine your study strategy.
Checkout CLAT previous Year papers of 15 years.
CLAT 2025 Exam Date
The CLAT exam in 2025 will take place on 1st December 2024.
| Event | Date |
| CLAT 2025 Exam Date | 1 December 2024 (Final) |
| Registration Start Date | 1 July 2024 (Expected) |
| Registration Last Date | 31 October 2024 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 October 2024 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 2024 (Expected) |
| Result Announcement Date | Dec 2024 or Jan 2025 |
Tips to Prepare As Per CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Now that you know the latest pattern of CLAT exam, it’s time to make use of it wisely:
1. Know Latest Pattern and Syllabus
- Thoroughly understand the CLAT exam pattern, including the number of questions, sections, marking scheme, and duration.
- Be clear about the CLAT syllabus for each section, including the topics covered under English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques for UG, and Constitutional Law and other law subjects for PG.
2. Create CLAT Study Plan
- Daily Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each subject. Ensure a balanced schedule that includes study time, breaks, and leisure activities.
- Weekly Goals: Set achievable targets for covering topics in each section. Review your progress at the end of each week and adjust your plan if necessary.
- Monthly Review: Assess your preparation level at the end of each month. Modify your study plan for CLAT preparation based on your progress and areas of improvement.
3. Gather Best Study Materials
Use recommended CLAT preparation books for each section.
| Subject | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Norman Lewis | |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | |
| English is Easy | Chetan Anand Singh | |
| General Knowledge | Pratiyogita Darpan | – |
| Manorama Year Book | – | |
| Pearson’s Concise GK Manual | – | |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | – | |
| Competition Review Yearbook | – | |
| CLAT Express | Law Prep Tutorial | |
| Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations (English) | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Data Interpretation | BSC Publications | |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra | |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Pearson’s | |
| Logical Reasoning | Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| GMAT Official Guide | – | |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | Pearson |
| Important Judgement That Transformed India | Alex Andrews George | |
| The Pearson Guide to the CLAT | Harsh Gagrani | |
| CLAT PG | S S Handbook for LLM Entrance Exam | Singhal’s Law Publications |
| Guide To LLM Entrance Examination, including Previous Year’s Solved Papers | Universal’s | |
| Solved Papers of LLM Entrance Test | Singhal’s Law Publications | |
| Ascent’s Law Guide for LLM Entrance Exam | Ashok K Jain |
If you want a unified study material, then go for the CLAT Game Changer Kit by Law Prep Tutorial. It has everything you need for solid preparation and to crack CLAT.
4. Practice Regularly
- Take full-length CLAT mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas.
- Solve previous years’ question papers of CLAT to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Focus on individual sections through sectional tests to strengthen your skills in each area.
5. Focus on Time Management
- Solve questions and mock tests within the given time limit. Improve your speed and accuracy.
- Attempt easier questions first to secure marks. Leave difficult or time-consuming questions for later.
6. Enhance GK and Current Affairs
- Read newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express daily.
- Refer to monthly current affairs magazines like CLAT Express for comprehensive coverage.
- Use yearbooks like “Manorama Year Book” for detailed information.
- Follow Daily Current Affairs for CLAT.
7. Strengthen Legal Reasoning
- Understand basic legal principles and terminology. Study important laws and landmark judgments.
- Analyze case studies to apply legal concepts in practical scenarios.
- Follow Daily Legal Updates for CLAT.
8. Improve English Skills
- Practice reading passages and answering questions.
- Learn new words daily and revise regularly.
- Focus on grammar rules and practice error detection.
9. Sharpen Logical Reasoning
- Solve puzzles to enhance logical thinking.
- Practice a variety of logical reasoning questions from different sources.
10. Master Quantitative Techniques
- Strengthen your understanding of basic mathematical concepts and formulas.
- Solve different types of quantitative problems regularly.
11. Revise Regularly
- Create concise notes for quick revision of important concepts and formulas.
- Regularly review your notes and practice problems to retain information.
12. Stay Healthy and Positive
- Maintain a healthy diet to keep your energy levels up during long study sessions.
- Incorporate regular physical activity to stay fit and relieve stress.
- Ensure you get sufficient sleep to stay focused and retain information effectively.
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?
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.
Free Resources for CLAT Preparation
Use the following free CLAT preparation resources by Law Prep Tutorial:
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Previous Year Papers |
| CLAT Legal Updates | CLAT Express Magazine |
| Free CLAT Classes | CLAT Current Affairs Quizzes |
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