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CLAT Exam Pattern 2027: Marking Scheme, Weightage, All Details

Get the latest on CLAT exam pattern, marking scheme, weightage & more. Master your preparation for top law school entry!

Last Updated on 08 Jul 2026

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CLAT Exam Pattern

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 2027 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, including the structure of the test, types of questions, marking scheme, and more. 

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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 26 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 2027: Highlights

The CLAT Consortium sets the paper pattern for the CLAT exam. The CLAT exam pattern gives candidates a clear idea of the exam structure, marking scheme, sectional weightage, and negative marking, if any. 

The CLAT 2027 UG exam pattern consists of five sections:

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

The CLAT 2027 exam pattern for the PG consists of two sections: 

  • Constitutional Law 
  • Other Law Subjects

Understanding the CLAT paper pattern is crucial to clear the exam. Respective applicants applying for the CLAT UG or CLAT PG must be well-versed in the paper pattern to boost their core and ace each exam stage.

Check highlights of the upcoming 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

Download CLAT Syllabus PDF

Download the latest CLAT syllabus PDF with complete section-wise topics for English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, GK, and Quantitative Techniques.

Download Free PDF

CLAT Exam Pattern for UG

The CLAT UG exam 2027 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.

Important CLAT Questions for Practice:

CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions CLAT Logical Reasoning Questions
CLAT English Questions CLAT GK Questions

Section-wise CLAT Weightage

With 5 sections in the CLAT 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
CLAT English Language 22-26 20%
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge 28-32 25%
CLAT Legal Reasoning 28-32 25%
CLAT Logical Reasoning 22-26 20%
CLAT Quantitative Techniques 10-14 10%

Read more about: CLAT Mock Test Strategy

CLAT UG Syllabus 2027

The CLAT 2027 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 2027 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

Check the full CLAT Study Planner to structure your study.

CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern for PG

The CLAT PG exam pattern 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 checkout: CLAT Preparations from Class 11th

CLAT PG Syllabus

The CLAT PG syllabus 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 2027 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 2027: 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:

Parameters Marks Awarded
Correct Answer +1
Incorrect Answer -0.25
Unattempted Questions 0

Also Read: Timetable for CLAT Preparation

Key Changes in CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern

As of now, the official CLAT 2027 notification is yet to be released. Therefore, any specific changes in the exam pattern compared to CLAT 2027 are not confirmed. However, once the notification is out, we will update this section with the detailed changes.

Anticipated Areas of Change (To Be Updated):

While we await the official CLAT notification, here are some areas where changes might occur:

1. CLAT Exam Pattern:

  • Any modifications in the number of questions per section.
  • Potential changes in the weightage of different sections.

2. CLAT Marking Scheme:

  • Any updates to the marking scheme, such as changes in negative marking.

3. Syllabus Adjustments:

  • Introduction of new topics or removal of existing ones in various sections.

4. CLAT Eligibility Criteria:

  • Possible updates in the eligibility requirements for both UG and PG courses.

5. CLAT Application Process:

  • Changes in the application process or required documents.

Use Mocks and Previous Year Papers to Understand Pattern of CLAT Exam

The best way to get familiar with the exam pattern for CLAT 2027 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 CLAT 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 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, 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.

CLAT 2026 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2025 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2024 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2023 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2022 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2021 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2020 Question Paper Download PDF
CLAT 2019 Question Paper Download PDF

CLAT 2027 Exam Date

The next CLAT exam will take place in on 6 December 2026.

Event Date
CLAT 2027 Exam Date 6 December 2026
Registration Start Date 1 August 2026
Registration Last Date 31 October 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment November 2026
Admit Card Release Date 3rd Week of November 2026
Result Announcement Date 3rd Week of December 2026

Tips to Prepare As Per CLAT 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.

Free CLAT Study Material for You:

CLAT Sample Papers CLAT Videos
Free CLAT Coaching  

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.

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. 

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 College Predictor CLAT Toppers
Virendra Soni
Virendra Soni

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Virendra heads SEO & Content at LPT. A writer at heart, he focuses on building exam-focused content that informs, guides, and supports aspirants in their preparation journey.

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Also Read :  Online CLAT Coaching Free CLAT Mock Test CLAT Study Material

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