Complete Guide to Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
Your comprehensive resource for CLAT exam preparation. Everything you need to know about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, and more to secure admission to prestigious National Law Universities.
22+ NLUs
Participating National Law Universities
50,000+
Aspirants each year
5 Sections
Comprehensive exam pattern
2 Hours
Exam duration
CLAT Exam Overview
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national level entrance test for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT UG
Educational Qualification
Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST categories). Students appearing in the qualifying examination are also eligible.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CLAT UG examination as per the latest notification.
Reservation Policy
As per government norms, reservations are available for SC, ST, OBC, PWD, and other categories. Exact percentages vary across participating NLUs.
Eligibility for CLAT PG
Educational Qualification
LL.B. or equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST categories). Students appearing in the final year examination are also eligible.
Note: Eligibility criteria may be subject to change. Always refer to the official CLAT consortium website for the most current information.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 28-32 questions | 28-32 marks | 20% |
| Current Affairs including GK | 35-39 questions | 35-39 marks | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 questions | 35-39 marks | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 questions | 28-32 marks | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13-17 questions | 13-17 marks | 10% |
| Total | 150 questions | 150 marks | 100% |
Exam Duration
2 hours (120 minutes)
Marking Scheme
+1 mark for each correct answer, -0.25 mark for each wrong answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions.
Mode of Examination
Computer-based test (online mode) conducted at various centers across India.
CLAT PG Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 60 questions | 60 marks | 30% |
| Other Law Subjects | 120 questions | 120 marks | 60% |
| Legal Reasoning | 20 questions | 20 marks | 10% |
| Total | 150 questions | 150 marks | 100% |
Exam Duration
2 hours (120 minutes)
Detailed CLAT UG Syllabus
This section will test comprehension and language skills through passages of about 450 words. The questions will include:
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Verbal ability
- Inference-based questions
- Summarization
- Analogies and antonyms/synonyms
This section will test knowledge of current events and general awareness, including:
- National and international current affairs
- Historical events of continuing significance
- Arts and culture
- International affairs
- Important events from various fields
This section will test legal aptitude through legal propositions and scenarios, including:
- Legal principles and rules
- Application of legal principles to given situations
- Identification of legal issues
- Understanding of public policy and legal morality
- Legal maxims and terminology
This section will test analytical and critical thinking abilities through:
- Argument analysis
- Pattern identification
- Logical sequences
- Analogies and relationships
- Critical reasoning
- Inference and conclusion drawing
This section will test numerical ability and data interpretation through:
- Basic arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages)
- Data interpretation from graphs, charts, and tables
- Numerical reasoning
- Basic algebra and geometry
- Statistical estimation
CLAT PG Syllabus
Constitutional Law
Approximately 60 questions covering fundamental rights, directive principles, constitutional provisions, landmark cases, and constitutional interpretation.
Other Law Subjects
Approximately 120 questions covering Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law.
CLAT Preparation Strategy
Study Plan
Create a realistic study schedule with dedicated time for each section. Allocate more time to weaker areas while maintaining stronger sections.
Section-wise Preparation Tips
English: Read newspapers daily, practice comprehension, build vocabulary
GK & Current Affairs: Follow news regularly, make notes, revise frequently
Legal Reasoning: Understand legal principles, practice application
Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, syllogisms, logical sequences
Quantitative Techniques: Focus on accuracy, practice calculations
Mock Tests and Previous Papers
Take regular mock tests under timed conditions. Analyze performance to identify weak areas. Solve previous years’ question papers to understand exam pattern.
Time Management
Develop speed and accuracy. Learn to prioritize questions. Allocate time to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Revision Strategy
Regular revision is crucial. Create short notes for quick revision. Focus on important formulas, legal principles, and current affairs.
Pro Tip: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills which are essential for legal education.
CLAT Cut-off Trends
Cut-off marks vary each year based on difficulty level, number of applicants, and seats available. Here are the approximate closing ranks for top NLUs:
| NLU | General Category | SC Category | ST Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | Rank 1-100 | Rank 1-500 | Rank 1-700 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Rank 1-150 | Rank 1-600 | Rank 1-800 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | Rank 1-200 | Rank 1-700 | Rank 1-900 |
| NLU Delhi | Rank 1-250 | Rank 1-800 | Rank 1-1000 |
| NLIU Bhopal | Rank 1-400 | Rank 1-1000 | Rank 1-1200 |
Note: These are approximate ranks based on previous years’ trends. Actual cut-offs may vary each year based on various factors.
Factors Affecting Cut-offs
Difficulty Level
Harder papers generally result in lower cut-offs, while easier papers increase competition and raise cut-offs.
Number of Applicants
Higher number of applicants increases competition, potentially raising cut-off marks.
Seats Available
Changes in the number of available seats across NLUs affect cut-off trends.
Recommended Books for CLAT Preparation
| Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| English Language | High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
| General Knowledge | Manorama Yearbook | Mammen Mathew |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna |
| Legal Aptitude | Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | A.P. Bhardwaj |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
Online Platforms for CLAT Preparation
Mock Test Platforms
Several online platforms offer CLAT mock tests, including:
- CLAT Consortium (official mocks)
- LegalEdge
- Career Launcher
- Time4Education
- Testbook
Mobile Apps
Useful apps for CLAT preparation:
- CLAT Prep App by LegalEdge
- GK Today
- Vocabulary Builder
- Current Affairs apps
News Sources
Regularly follow:
- The Hindu
- Indian Express
- Live Law
- Bar and Bench
- PRS Legislative Research
CLAT Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for effective CLAT preparation. Here’s a suggested timeline:
6-Month Study Plan
Months 1-2: Foundation Building
Focus on understanding basic concepts in all sections. Develop reading habit for English and Current Affairs. Learn fundamental legal principles and logical reasoning patterns.
Months 3-4: Intensive Study
Dive deeper into each subject. Practice problems regularly. Start taking section-wise tests. Work on time management skills.
Month 5: Revision and Mock Tests
Begin full-length mock tests. Analyze performance after each test. Identify and work on weak areas. Revise important concepts regularly.
Month 6: Final Preparation
Take mock tests in exam-like conditions. Focus on revision of important topics. Work on speed and accuracy. Stay updated with current affairs until the exam day.
Daily Study Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning (2-3 hours) | New concepts study (difficult subjects) |
| Afternoon (2 hours) | Practice problems and exercises |
| Evening (1-2 hours) | Revision of what was learned |
| Night (1 hour) | Current affairs and newspaper reading |
| Weekends | Mock tests and detailed analysis |
Participating National Law Universities
CLAT scores are accepted by 22 National Law Universities across India. Here are some of the top NLUs:
Top NLUs and Their Specializations
| NLU | Establishment Year | Location | Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1987 | Bangalore, Karnataka | Corporate Law, IPR, Human Rights |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 1998 | Hyderabad, Telangana | Air & Space Law, IPR, International Law |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 1999 | Kolkata, West Bengal | Business Laws, Criminal Law, IPR |
| NLU Delhi | 2008 | Delhi | Law and Technology, Environmental Law |
| NLIU Bhopal | 1997 | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | Alternative Dispute Resolution, IPR |
Note: Each NLU has its own fee structure, campus facilities, and placement records. Research individual NLUs to find the best fit for your career goals.
CLAT Form Filling Assistance Service
Need help with your CLAT application? Our experts are here to assist you!
Expert Assistance
Our experienced professionals will help you fill out your CLAT application form accurately.
Quick Process
Typically takes about 1 hour to complete the form filling process with our assistance.
Document Verification
We help ensure all your documents are in order before form submission.
Important: We recommend applying through our expert services at least 48 hours before the last date of form filling to avoid any last-minute server issues or complications.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms and Conditions
Start Your CLAT Preparation Today!
With proper guidance and dedicated effort, you can secure admission to your dream law university.