What is CLAT? Know All About CLAT Exam

What is CLAT?

Full form of CLAT is Common Law Admission Test. It is the top national-level law entrance exam in India. This exam is designed for students who want to study law at National Law Universities (NLUs) and top law schools in India.

Understand it like this. Just as the IIT exam is given to get admission to IIT colleges and top engineering colleges, the CLAT exam is given to get admission to NLUs and best law colleges.

Levels in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

The CLAT law entrance exam is conducted at two levels:

CLAT UG (Undergraduate)

CLAT UG exam is for school students who want to study law from NLUs and CLAT-affiliated universities after their class 12th. 

It's for those who dream of becoming lawyers and want to start their journey right after 12th grade. The CLAT UG exam tests the students in subjects like English, General Knowledge (GK) & Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. 

Once you clear the exam and get a good score in CLAT, you can apply to various top law colleges across India. 

CLAT PG (Postgraduate)

On the other hand, CLAT PG exam is for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies (or degree in law) and want to do masters in law (LLM) from a top law college. 

CLAT PG tests your knowledge in various legal subjects. It's more advanced and focuses on deeper concepts and understanding. It's for those who want to become experts in specific areas of law and pursue higher studies in the field.

Purpose of CLAT Exam

The purpose of the CLAT Exam is to provide a fair and standardized evaluation process for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in India. 

1. Merit-based Admissions

CLAT ensures that admissions to law colleges are based on merit, as determined by performance in a standardized entrance exam. This helps maintain fairness and transparency in the selection process.

2. Access to Top Law Colleges

By clearing CLAT, students get to study at the best law schools and universities in India. These institutions offer high-quality legal education and opportunities for professional growth.

3. Assessment of Aptitude

The exam assesses candidates' aptitude in key areas such as English, General Knowledge, Quantitative Techniques, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning. This helps test their readiness for legal studies and practice.

4. Door to Successful Career in Law

CLAT works like a gateway for students to kick-start their legal careers. It opens doors to various opportunities in the legal profession, including advocacy, litigation, corporate law, academia, and public service.

5. Standardized Evaluation

By following a standardized evaluation process, the Common Law Admission Test ensures that candidates from diverse backgrounds are evaluated on a level playing field. This helps identify talented individuals irrespective of their educational or socio-economic background.

CLAT Exam Details

The following are all the details and information about CLAT test:

Number of CLAT Applicants Every Year

Around 75,000 students appear for CLAT UG exam every year. Whereas, the number of students for CLAT PG exam is around 15,000 per year. 

Below is some data on CLAT applicants over the last few years:

Brief History of CLAT

Let’s know about the history of CLAT:

• In 2008, something important happened in law studies in India. The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, the oldest NLU in the country, introduced the CLAT exam. It was a big deal because it changed how students got into law colleges.
• At first, a committee from seven NLUs got together to decide how CLAT would work. They decided that each year, a different NLU would organize the exam. This meant that CLAT was conducted by different NLU each year, starting with NLU Bangalore in 2008 and continuing to others like Hyderabad, Bhopal, and Kolkata in the following years.
• In 2019, things changed again. All the NLUs came together to form a group called the Consortium of NLUs. This group took over the responsibility of organizing CLAT exams from then on. It was a big step towards making CLAT exams fair and consistent for everyone.
• Before CLAT, every NLU had its own entrance exam. This made things hard for students because they had to prepare for different exams at the same time. CLAT changed that by giving students one common exam to focus on.
• CLAT was started because students found it tough to prepare for multiple exams, and sometimes they missed out on opportunities. There was even a court case about it in 2006. The court agreed that there should be one common law entrance exam, so CLAT came into existence in 2008.
• Even though most NLUs now use CLAT for admissions, NLU Delhi still has its own entrance exam called AILET. 
• CLAT 2026 witnessed the highest number of applicants in the history of the exam.

CLAT Eligibility Criteria

The following are the requirements and eligibility criteria for the CLAT law entrance exam:

CLAT Exam Pattern 

The following is the latest exam pattern of CLAT:

Subjects in CLAT Exam (With Marks Distribution)

Here is the list of CLAT subjects with marks distribution and weightage in paper:

Syllabus of CLAT Exam

Below is the latest syllabus for the CLAT exam:

List of National Law Universities (NLUs)

There are 27 NLUs in India accepting CLAT score for admission to their law programs. Below is a list of all these National Law Universities (NLUs):

How to Register for CLAT Exam?

Here’s a step-by-step CLAT registration process:

• Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official CLAT Consortium website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Create an Account: If you're a new user, create an account by providing your email address, mobile number, and password. You’ll receive an activation link on your registered email to activate your account.
• Log In and Access the Application Form: Once your account is activated, log in using your credentials and access the CLAT application form.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Enter all required details accurately, including your personal information, academic qualifications, and choice of test centers.
• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as your photograph, signature, and any applicable category certificates. Ensure that these documents meet the specified size and format requirements.
• Pay the Application Fee: Complete the application by paying the CLAT registration fee online. The fee can be paid via net banking, credit card, or debit card. 
• Review and Submit: Before submitting the form, review all the information and ensure everything is correct. Once satisfied, submit the form.
• Save and Print: After submitting, save a copy of the application form and payment receipt for your records. You might need these documents later.
• Keep Track of Important Dates: After registering, keep track of important dates such as the release of admit cards and the exam date.

How to Prepare for CLAT Exam?

CLAT preparation strategy is crucial for aspiring law students. Cracking it requires a strategic approach, discipline, and thorough preparation. The following are some effective strategies:

1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus. The exam consists of five sections:

• English Language
• Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
• Legal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Techniques

Each section tests different skills, so understanding the weightage and type of questions asked in each is crucial.

2. Develop a Study Plan

Creating a study plan for CLAT is essential to cover all the topics systematically. Allocate time based on the difficulty and your proficiency in each subject. Ensure to revise regularly and adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and comfort with the material.

3. Focus on Legal and Logical Reasoning

Legal and Logical Reasoning are core components of the CLAT. 

For Legal Reasoning, focus on understanding basic legal principles rather than memorizing laws. Practice applying these principles to various scenarios. 

For Logical Reasoning, enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through regular practice of puzzles and reasoning questions.

4. Enhance Your General Awareness

Current Affairs and GK in CLAT are game-changers. Stay updated with the latest events by reading newspapers, following reliable news sources, and using current affairs apps. Make notes of important events and revise them regularly. Follow daily current affairs for CLAT for free on Law Prep Tutorial website.

5. Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests

Practicing previous year question papers and taking mock tests for CLAT are indispensable parts of the preparation. They help you get accustomed to the exam's format, improve time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance in these tests to refine your strategy further.

6. Join Law Prep Tutorial for Offline or Online Coaching

Join offline or online coaching for CLAT by Law Prep Tutorial. It provides structured learning and professional guidance, which is very beneficial and helps you crack the exam with confidence.

7. Develop Reading and Comprehension Skills

The CLAT heavily tests your reading comprehension skills, particularly in the English and Legal Reasoning sections. Regular reading of diverse texts, from editorials to fiction, can significantly enhance your speed and comprehension abilities.

8. Stay Healthy and Manage Stress

Lastly, take care of your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep will enhance concentration and efficiency. 

Additionally, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These will help you to handle exam stress during CLAT preparation.

CLAT Exam FAQs

Below are the frequently asked questions about the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT):

Who conducts CLAT?

CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs (National Law Universities).

CLAT exam is for which course?

CLAT is conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by National Law Universities and various affiliated colleges.

Why CLAT is important?

CLAT is the primary gateway for students aiming to pursue a career in law in India, as it opens opportunities to study in prestigious law universities.

Why do we give CLAT exam?

Students take the CLAT exam to qualify for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in top law schools across India, making it a crucial step for aspiring lawyers.

Can I give CLAT exam after 12th?

Yes, students who have completed their 12th grade or are awaiting results are eligible to appear for CLAT UG.

Can I give CLAT after graduation?

Law graduates can apply for the CLAT PG exam for admission into postgraduate law programs.

How many attempts are allowed for CLAT?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT as long as the eligibility criteria are met.

How many times is CLAT conducted in a year?

CLAT is conducted once a year, in December.

In which month CLAT exam is conducted?

CLAT is conducted in December every year.

Is CLAT objective or subjective?

CLAT is an objective test with multiple-choice questions.

Is CLAT exam online or offline?

CLAT is conducted in an offline mode (pen-and-paper test).

How many questions are there in CLAT exam?

The CLAT UG exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.

What is CLAT counselling?

CLAT counselling is the process where qualified candidates are allocated seats in various National Law Universities based on their rank, preferences, and availability of seats.

For CLAT, which stream is best?

Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) can appear for CLAT. 

Which is better: CLAT or AILET?

Both CLAT and AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) are prestigious law entrance exams. CLAT offers a broader range of law schools, while AILET is specifically for admission to the National Law University, Delhi, which does not accept CLAT scores.

When is next CLAT exam?

The next CLAT exam date is 6 December 2026.

Is the CLAT exam tougher than NEET?

Comparing CLAT and NEET directly is challenging as they test different skill sets. CLAT is focused on legal and logical reasoning, while NEET tests knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics. Difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths and interests.

Is CLAT exam compulsory for LLB?

CLAT is not compulsory for all LLB admissions. It is required for entering National Law Universities (NLUs) and some other law schools, but many universities conduct their own entrance exams or accept other test scores.

Can a Commerce student give the CLAT exam?

Yes, Commerce students can definitely appear for the CLAT exam. There are no stream-specific restrictions; students from any academic background can take the exam.

Can CLAT be given after 12th?

Yes, students can take the CLAT exam after completing their 12th standard as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Which is the best CLAT coaching in India?

Law Prep Tutorial is the best CLAT coaching institute in India, for consistently producing toppers and high rankers.

Which is better: CLAT or IIT?

Both are excellent but serve different career paths. CLAT is for law aspirants, while IIT entrance exams are for those interested in engineering and technology fields. The choice depends on your career interests and aptitude.

Can I give the CLAT exam in the Hindi language?

No, the CLAT exam is conducted only in English.

Can a Science student give the CLAT exam?

Yes, students from the Science stream or any other stream can appear for the CLAT exam.

Can an NIOS student give the CLAT exam?

Yes, students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are eligible to take the CLAT exam, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Can we use a calculator in the CLAT exam?

No, the use of calculators or any other electronic devices is strictly prohibited during the CLAT exam.

In which year did CLAT start?

The CLAT exam started in 2008. It was introduced as a centralized test to streamline the admission process into the National Law Universities across India.

Is there negative marking in CLAT?

Yes, there is negative marking in the CLAT exam. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score.

How many percentage are required in class 12th for CLAT?

Candidates must have passed their 12th class examination with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for candidates from SC/ST/PwD categories).

What is the CLAT helpline number?

The CLAT helpline number is +91 80471-62020.