CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme & All Details

Before you begin your LLM entrance preparation, you must understand the CLAT PG exam pattern clearly. It’s not just about what you study; it’s about how questions are asked and how you manage those 120 minutes wisely. 

The CLAT PG paper pattern consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark. Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs, this postgraduate test assesses your conceptual understanding of core law subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, and Contract Law. 

Knowing the exam pattern of CLAT PG, marking scheme, and subject weightage will help you plan smarter, avoid surprises, and score higher.

CLAT PG Exam Pattern

This is the exam pattern of CLAT PG:

Particulars	Details
Total Questions	120
Total Marks	120
Marking Scheme	+1 for each correct answer −0.25 for each wrong answer
Duration	2 Hours (120 minutes)
Language	English
Types of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Mode of Exam	Offline (Pen and Paper)
Sections / Areas Covered	Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, Contract, Torts, Administrative Law, Family Law, Corporate Law, International Law, IPR, Labour & Environmental Law

CLAT PG Exam Pattern: Sections

The CLAT PG paper pattern follows these sections:

Section	Subjects Covered	Weightage
Constitutional Law	Fundamental rights, amendments, landmark judgments	20%
Jurisprudence	Legal theories, justice, rights, legal reasoning	10–12%
Criminal Law	IPC, CrPC, general exceptions, case-based questions	10–12%
Contract & Torts	Contract formation, breach, remedies, negligence, liability	10%
Other Laws	Family, Administrative, IPR, Environmental, Labour, International Law	48–50%

Most CLAT LLM exam pattern questions are conceptual and reasoning-based, so focus on understanding the law, not memorizing it.

Important resources to explore for the CLAT PG exam

CLAT PG All Details	CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria
CLAT PG Cut Off	CLAT PG Admit Card
CLAT PG Previous Year Papers

CLAT PG Paper Pattern

The CLAT PG paper pattern is entirely objective, with 120 MCQs testing your legal knowledge, reasoning, and analytical skills. There are no descriptive or essay questions. 

Each question carries one mark, and there’s a 0.25 mark penalty for wrong answers. The questions are drawn from various fields of law, including constitutional, criminal, and civil domains.

CLAT PG Marking Scheme

The CLAT PG marking scheme follows a simple rule:

• +1 mark for each correct answer
• –0.25 mark for each wrong answer
• 0 for unattempted questions

Total marks: 120

Duration: 120 minutes

This means accuracy matters more than attempting all questions. Random guessing can cost you valuable marks.

Tip: Maintain a target accuracy rate of at least 85% during practice mocks to balance attempts and penalties.

Types of Questions in CLAT PG Exam

• The CLAT postgraduate exam pattern tests your ability to apply laws, not just recall them.
• Most questions are principle-based or derived from real case scenarios.
• Expect questions on constitutional amendments, recent judgments, and core doctrines.
• Conceptual understanding is more important than rote memorization.

CLAT PG Syllabus: Overview

Below is the official subject-wise overview of the CLAT PG Syllabus:

Core Subject / Area of Law	Approx. Weightage (Out of 120 Marks)	Remarks / Preparation Focus
Constitutional Law	20–25 Marks	Most important section; expect direct and case-based questions.
Jurisprudence	10–15 Marks	Focus on legal theories and philosophical schools of law.
Administrative Law	5–8 Marks	Application-based questions on judicial review and natural justice.
Law of Contract	8–10 Marks	Conceptual clarity and case law understanding are key.
Law of Torts	5–8 Marks	Questions often revolve around doctrines and liabilities.
Family Law	5 Marks	Covers both Hindu and Muslim law principles.
Criminal Law	10–15 Marks	Case-driven questions from IPC and general principles.
Property Law	5 Marks	Fundamental concepts from the Transfer of Property Act.
Company Law	5–8 Marks	Based on corporate governance and statutory duties.
Public International Law	5–8 Marks	Expect questions on treaties, jurisdiction, and state responsibility.
Tax Law	3–5 Marks	Basic-level conceptual and application questions.
Environmental Law	5–8 Marks	Recent judgments and sustainable development principles are crucial.
Labour & Industrial Law	5 Marks	Focus on labour codes, industrial disputes, and trade unions.

Also checkout: CLAT UG vs CLAT PG

How to Approach CLAT PG Exam Pattern for Better Scores?

1. Prioritize High-Weightage Subjects

Start with topics that dominate the CLAT PG exam pattern: Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Criminal Law. Focusing on these ensures a solid foundation, as they collectively account for nearly one-third of the total marks.

2. Practice Topic-Wise and Full-Length Mocks

Regularly attempt CLAT PG mock tests following the real exam structure. Topic-wise practice helps strengthen weak areas, while full-length mocks help you improve speed, accuracy, and stamina for the 2-hour paper.

3. Analyze Every Attempt

After solving each mock or PYQ, review every mistake and understand the reasoning behind it. This habit of post-analysis helps eliminate recurring errors and refine your conceptual understanding before the actual exam.

4. Focus on Conceptual Clarity

CLAT PG questions are more about application than memorization. Understand legal principles, doctrines, and judgments instead of cramming. Reading bare acts and key case summaries sharpens your interpretation and logical reasoning skills.

5. Manage Time and Accuracy Together

Balance speed with precision. Don’t attempt blindly; accuracy matters under the CLAT PG marking scheme with negative marking. Divide your 2 hours strategically — one hour for high-weightage sections and the next for review and rechecking.

Resources for CLAT PG Preparation:

Online CLAT PG Coaching

CLAT PG Mock Test

Expert Tips to Master CLAT PG Exam Pattern

• Attempt confidently, not hurriedly. Accuracy trumps volume.
• Read every question carefully — small words change meanings.
• Keep a timer during practice to simulate real pressure.
• Revise regularly, especially constitutional amendments and case laws.
• Use mock test analysis reports to measure progress.
• Avoid last-minute topic hopping — focus on what matters most.
• Don’t skip low-weight subjects entirely — easy marks often come from them.
• Relax before exam day. Clarity and calmness improve focus.

FAQs About CLAT PG Exam Pattern