CLAT 2027 Marking Scheme: Total Marks, Negative Marking

Total Marks in CLAT 2027

The total or maximum marks of CLAT paper are 120 for both UG and PG. 

CLAT consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with each question worth 1 mark. It’s important to understand that for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted, which can significantly impact your total marks in CLAT. 

Below is a breakdown of the total marks in CLAT 2027:

Exam	Total Marks in CLAT	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Negative Marking
CLAT UG	120	120	1	-0.25 per wrong answer
CLAT PG	120	120	1	-0.25 per wrong answer

CLAT Marking Scheme 2027

Aspect	Details
Correct Answer	+1 mark for each correct answer
Incorrect Answer	-0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
Unattempted Questions	No marks deducted or awarded;

Plan your daily preparation with this CLAT Preparation Planner.

CLAT Marks Distribution 2027

The CLAT exam marks are distributed across five key sections. Each section has a different weightage, and the number of questions varies slightly within each. 

Here’s the distribution of section-wise marks in CLAT:

Section	No. of Questions	Approximate Weightage
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%

CLAT Passing Marks (Qualifying Marks)

Securing a seat in one of the prestigious NLUs requires not just passing the CLAT exam but also achieving a competitive score. 

1. CLAT Passing Marks For General

To secure admission to the top 3 NLUs, you should aim for a score of 100+ marks. For top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad, a target score of around 110 or above is advisable to increase your chances of securing a seat.

2. CLAT Passing Marks for SC/ST 

For SC/ST category candidates, a good score in CLAT 2026 was generally between 70-80 marks. Even for some lower-ranked NLUs, securing around 60-65% of the total marks can be sufficient for admission.

3. CLAT Cut-off Ranges

The CLAT cut-off differs significantly from one NLU to another. For instance, NLU Kolkata (WBNUJS) has cut-offs rank between from 299-711 last year. 

Understanding the specific cut-off for your preferred NLU is crucial for setting your target score.

Changes in CLAT Exam Marks Over the Years

The CLAT marking scheme has seen several changes since its inception in 2008. Understanding these changes can provide insights into the evolving structure of the exam and help you appreciate the current format.

Year	Total Marks in CLAT	Remarks
CLAT 2008	190	First year of CLAT, each question carried 1 mark
CLAT 2009	200	Total marks increased to 200
CLAT 2010-2019	200	Marks remained consistent at 200
CLAT 2020	150	Marks reduced to 150, aligning with fewer questions
CLAT 2021-2023	150	Continued with the 150 marks format
CLAT 2024	120	Marks reduced to 120, further streamlining the exam
CLAT 2025	120	Same format as CLAT 2024
CLAT 2026	120	No changes
CLAT 2027	120	No Changes

The CLAT exam has undergone significant changes over the years, especially in terms of total marks and the number of questions. Starting from 190 marks in its inaugural year (CLAT 2008), the exam quickly adjusted to 200 marks in 2009 and maintained this structure until 2019. 

However, a major shift occurred in 2020, where the total marks of CLAT were reduced to 150, along with a corresponding decrease in the number of questions. 

This pattern continued until 2023. With CLAT 2024, the total marks were further reduced to 120, which is also the format followed for CLAT 2025, CLAT 2026, and CLAT 2027. 

Importance of Understanding CLAT Marking Scheme

• Maximize Your Score: Knowing the CLAT exam marks helps you focus on high-weight sections.
• Avoid Negative Marking: Understanding how penalties work helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
• Effective Time Management: Allocating time-based on CLAT marks distribution ensures you don’t miss out on scoring opportunities.
• Strategic Preparation: Prioritize topics and sections that can boost your overall score.
• Better Exam Strategy: A clear understanding of CLAT marks distribution guides you in crafting a balanced approach to the exam.

Tips and Strategy for High Scores in CLAT

Achieving a high score in CLAT requires a well-planned approach. Following are some tips and strategies to help you maximize your performance:

1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Thoroughly understand the CLAT exam pattern, including the marking scheme and section-wise distribution of questions.

Prioritize sections and topics that carry more weightage in the exam, such as Legal Reasoning and General Knowledge.

2. Time Management

Regularly practice full-length CLAT mock tests under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

During the exam, allocate time to each section based on your strengths and the number of questions.

3. Accuracy Over Guesswork

Be cautious with your answers to avoid the 0.25 mark penalty for incorrect answers. It’s better to skip a question if you’re unsure.

Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices before making a selection.

4. Regular Practice and Revision

Solve previous years’ question papers of CLAT and take online quizzes to stay sharp. Regular revision helps retain important concepts and formulas, especially in sections like Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Make it a habit to read newspapers and CLAT Express magazine for current affairs to stay updated with the latest events.

Pay special attention to national and international news, important dates, and legal developments.

6. Strengthen Legal Reasoning

Familiarize yourself with basic legal principles, landmark judgments, and legal maxims for CLAT.

Work on CLAT legal reasoning questions by practicing case-based problems to enhance your analytical skills.

7. Work on Your Weak Areas

Analyze your mock test results to identify sections where you need improvement. Devote extra time to strengthening weak areas while maintaining a balanced approach across all sections.

8. Stay Calm and Confident

Maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation and during the exam. Ensure you get enough rest and maintain a healthy routine to keep your mind and body fit for the exam.

9. Mock Tests and Performance Analysis

Take as many mock tests as possible to simulate exam conditions and improve time management. After each mock test, carefully analyze your performance to understand your strengths and areas needing improvement.

10. Strategic Attempting

Begin with the section you are most confident about to build momentum.

Also, don’t spend too much time on one question. If stuck, move on and return to it later if time permits.

Tie-Breaking Criteria for CLAT Marks

If two or more candidates secure the same number of marks in CLAT 2027, the tie will be resolved using the following criteria, in the specified order:

1. Higher Marks in Legal Aptitude Section

The candidate who scores higher in the Legal Aptitude section of the CLAT 2027 exam will be ranked higher.

2. Higher Age

If the tie persists, the candidate who is older in age will be given preference.

3. Computerised Draw of Lots

If the tie still remains unresolved after considering the above criteria, a computerised draw of lots will be conducted to determine the final ranking.

Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:

CLAT Eligibility Criteria	CLAT Preparation Books
CLAT Age Limit	CLAT Marking Scheme
How to Prepare for CLAT?