CLAT vs LSAT Difference 2027: Full Comparison

LSAT and CLAT Differences: Highlights

The table below details general highlights between CLAT and LSAT to provide an overview of the essential components of both exams:

Particulars	CLAT	LSAT
Conducting Body	Consortium of NLUs	- LSAC
Exam Level	National	- National
Courses Offered	- BA LLB (Hons) - BSc LLB (Hons) - BCom LLB (Hons) - BBA LLB (Hons) - BSW LLB (Hons) - LLM	- BA LLB - BA LLB (Hons) - BBA LLB - BBA LLB (Hons) - B.Tech LLB - BSc LLB - BCom LLB - BCom LLB (Hons) - LLM
Courses Duration	- Integrated LLB: 5 years - LLM: 1 year	- Integrated LLB: 5 years - LLB: 3 years - LLM: 1 year
Participating Colleges	26 NLUs	16+ LSAT-participating colleges
Frequency of Exam	Once a year	Twice a year
Sections	- English Language - Legal Reasoning - Logical Reasoning - Current Affairs and GK - Quantitative Techniques	- Reading Comprehension  - Analytical Reasoning - Logical Reasoning-1 - Logical Reasoning-2

CLAT vs LSAT: Basic Difference

The CLAT is an all-India entrance examination conducted by the Consortium of NLUs in India. It is designed for students seeking admission to undergraduate (LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) law programs offered by participating universities. 

On the other hand, the LSAT exam is conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is designed for students looking for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs from the LSAT-participating colleges. 

Difference Between LSAT and CLAT: Exam Nature and Pattern

Choosing between the CLAT and LSAT exams is a difficult task. Both exams have their importance and are highly prestigious.

Particular	CLAT	LSAT
Exam Mode	Offline	Online
Frequency	Once a year	Twice a year
Counseling Mode	Online	Offline
Test Duration	2 hours	2 hours, 20 minutes
Type of Questions	Multiple-choice questions	Multiple-choice questions
Total no. of Questions	120	92
Marking Scheme	+1 for a correct answer-0.25 for an incorrect answer	+1 for a correct answerNo negative marking
Question Areas	CLAT UG English Language, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques CLAT PG Constitutional Law, Other law subjects	Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension

Also Read: Timetable for CLAT Preparation

Difference Between CLAT and LSAT: Application Fees

The difference between LSAT and CLAT application fees is given below:

CLAT	LSAT
For General/ OBC/ PWD/ NRI candidates: INR 4,000/- For SC/ ST/ BPL category candidates: INR 3,500/-	INR 3999 for all categories.  However, discounts can be requested by OBC/ SC/ ST/ EWS category

CLAT or LSAT: Difficulty Level

CLAT	LSAT
The difficulty level of CLAT is moderate. Moreover, there will be many questions to attempt in less time.  The time constraints and negative marking system are challenging for the CLAT aspirants.	The LSAT question paper difficulty level is high. But an advantage is offered to the candidates as there is no negative marking scheme for any wrong attempt. The students may go for a few guesswork activities.

Key resources to explore after your CLAT exam:

CLAT Result	CLAT Answer Key
CLAT Counselling	CLAT Admit Card
CLAT Marks vs Rank	CLAT Rank Predictor
CLAT 2026 Question Paper	CLAT Toppers
CLAT College Predictor

Colleges Accepting CLAT vs LSAT Scores

CLAT

LSAT

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore 2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi 3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad 4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata 5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar 6. National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur 7. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal 8. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow 9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNLU), Punjab 10. National Law University (NLUO), Odisha 11. Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna 12. The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi 13. National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi 14. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur 15. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam 16. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai 17. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad 18. Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla 19. Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur 20. National Law University Tripura (NLUT), Agartala 21. Dr. B. R Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Haryana 22. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Silvassa 23. National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam 24.Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli

1. Alliance University, Bengaluru 2. Asian Law College, Noida 3. BML Munjal University, Gurugram 4. GD Goenka University, Sohna, HaryanaI 5. SBR Law College, Bengaluru 6. Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat, Haryana 7. Lloyd Law College, Noida 8. School of Law and Constitutional Studies Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut 9. Vinayaka Mission’s Law School, Chennai 10. BITS Law School, Mumbai 11. Chanakya University, Bengaluru 12. CMR University, Bengaluru 13. IILM University, Gurugram 14. Presidency University, Bengaluru 15. University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, New Delhi 16. Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai

Conclusion

While the CLAT and LSAT are crucial for law admissions in India, they cater to different preferences and strengths. CLAT is a gateway to national law universities and various law schools in India. In contrast, LSAT India, administered by LSAC, emphasizes analytical and logical skills, making it suitable for numerous law colleges in India. Aspirants should choose based on their career objectives and the specific requirements of their desired law programs.